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10 - The Neurobiology of Language Aptitude, Musicality and Working Memory

from Part III - Innovative Perspectives and Paradigms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 May 2023

By
Sabrina Turker  and
Susanne M. Reiterer
Edited by
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen ,
Peter Skehan  and
Richard L. Sparks
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Peter Skehan
Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London
Richard L. Sparks
Affiliation:
Mount St Joseph University
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Summary

In this chapter, we aim to provide a solid review of studies on the neurobiology of language aptitude and the role of two other important variables, namely musicality and working memory. We stress the importance of taking findings from the cognitive neurosciences into consideration and extend current models on language aptitude by taking neurocognitive perspectives into account. We highlight the importance of stable anatomical and functional markers for individual differences in language learning and aptitude and suggest more closely investigating the interdependency between musical abilities, musical training and language learning. While we argue that working memory is an essential prerequisite for language learning and is largely genetically driven, we propose to include musical abilities in a cognitive starter kit for language aptitude.

Keywords

language aptitudemusicalityworking memoryneurologypronunciationbrain imagingsecond language acquisition
Type
Chapter
Information
Language Aptitude Theory and Practice , pp. 249 - 274
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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