%0 PDF %T Initital Second Language Vocabulary Learning: A Longitudinal ERP Study. %A Yum, Yen Na. %8 2017-04-18 %R http://localhost/files/jh3444395 %X Abstract: Studying lexical learning across writing systems in beginning learners is one way to provide insight into how second language (L2) learners approach an entirely unfamiliar orthography and to determine whether previous language learning effects are generalizable to languages that have minimal overlap. This study examined initial L2 orthographic and semantic acquisition in monolingual native English speakers who learned a fixed set of Chinese words under controlled laboratory conditions. Participants were tracked to obtain longitudinal behavioral and event-related potentials (ERP) data in 10 sessions of L2 vocabulary learning. Verbal backward translation and semantic categorization were assessed. Behavioral data supported that participants gradually acquired the L2 stimuli items and several ERP components showed changes during the course of the study. Compared to L1 items, an enhanced P2 component was seen to L2 items in semantic categorization. A small but growing N400 component and a late anterior effect in L2 items were seen to increase at later sessions. These effects appeared to depend on individual differences and the degree of successful learning, as participants who had better behavioral results showed distinct patterns of ERP activation compared to those who performed less well. Complete learners showed a negative shift over the anterior region of the brain while incomplete learners showed a posterior positive effect, both of which were right-lateralized. The observed differences could relate to differential processing styles or strategy use. Interestingly, a shift in latency of the N400 component was seen to semantic categorization in English (L1 items), suggesting that L1 could be influenced at a very early point in L2 learning.; Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2012.; Submitted to the Dept. of Psychology.; Advisor: PHillip Holcomb.; Committee: Katherine Midgley, and Holly Taylor.; Keywords: Cognitive psychology, and Language. %[ 2022-10-12 %9 Text %~ Tufts Digital Library %W Institution