This state-of-the art paper focuses on the poorly explored issue of foreign language aptitude, attempting to present the latest developments in this field and reconceptualizations of the construct from the perspective of neuroscience. In accordance with this goal, it first discusses general directions in neurolinguistic research on foreign…

This state-of-the art paper focuses on the issue of linguistic giftedness, somewhat neglected in the second language acquisition (SLA) literature, attempting to reconceptualize, expand and update this concept in response to latest developments in the fields of psychology, linguistics and neurology. It first discusses contemporary perspectives on…

Aphasia as a multifaceted language disorder associated with the complicated links between language and brain has been and is of interest and significance to the stream of research in different disciplines including neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive studies and language acquisition. Along with explorations into the manifestations of…

In this paper, in contrast to previous neuroimaging literature reviews on first language (L1) and second language (L2), the focus was only on neuroimaging studies that were directly conducted on multilingual participants. In total, 14 neuroimaging studies were included in our study such as 10 functional magnetic resonance imaging, 1 positron…

Research into language acquisition and oral language use was examined in order to identify key factors that contribute to the successful acquisition of second language (L2) listening ability. The factors were grouped into three major domains: affective, cognitive, and interpersonal. It is claimed that in each domain, proficient L2 listeners have…

Reviews research on the psycholinguistic processes underlying second-language learning, especially as it relates to the concept of interlanguage and the contributions made by sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and cognitive psychology. (MSE)

Presents data on the past and present state of research on the interlanguage hypothesis, with specific attention to its extension to children. Outlines a dual approach to developing a theory of second language acquisition--a macrobehavioral approach and a neurofunctional approach. Finally, problems for the interlanguage hypothesis are discussed.…

Discusses the most significant findings of recent research and scholarship on the nature of the brain and its relevance to the teaching and learning of human languages. Topics covered include: (1) whether the brain is highly integrated or componential; (2) differences between conscious and unconscious processes; (3) hemispheric specialization; (4)…

Examines language as a multimodal sensory enhancement system, integrating recent neuroanatomical and neurophysiological findings on the ontogenesis of neuronal structures with the generative concept of Universal Grammar for determination of fundamental differences between primary and secondary language acquisition. (Author/CB)

Reviews research on the neuroscientific perspective to second-language acquisition and teaching, focusing on the "critical period" of language acquisition, brain hemispheric mapping, universal grammar theory, the modal directionality principle, and the modal focusing principle. (contains 74 references) (MDM)

This article reviews the history of the neuroscientific study of language, examining research on three main issues: (1) the neurofunctional differences between primary language acquisition and second-language acquisition; (2) the critical period issue; and (3) the role played by the right hemisphere of the brain in language acquisition. (140…

The comprehension approach to second language education emphasizes acquisition of listening comprehension prior to and as a vehicle for acquisition of other language skills. The following articles on this approach are collected here: (1) "Nonlinear Learning and Language Teaching" (Winitz); (2) "Aital cal aprene las lengas…

Reviews research about the brain's hemispheric functions, emphasizing the practical implications and applications of bimodal language learning. Four pedagogical principles (contextualization, visualization, diversification, and personalization) that characterize any integrated approach to language teaching are also discussed. (CB)

A review of current research in bilingualism reveals much attention being given to the role of the brain's right hemisphere in linguistic production. It is proposed that application of findings in second-language learning research and applied linguistics would give experimental support to the existing neurolinguistic theories. (MSE)

A review of some of the major works in neurolinguistics published during the last decade extrapolates many implications for second and foreign language theory and practice, covering such issues as hemispheric dominance, language processing, and bilingualism. (35 references) (CB)