Learning a second language easier than previously thought

A recent study headed by two UW researchers has shown that learning a second language may not be as difficult as one might think.

UW research scientist Judith McLaughlin, and Lee Osterhout, an associate professor of psychology, tested 18 first-year French students with no previous experience with the language for the study.

"Age and reduced brain plasticity are the classic reasons usually given for difficulty in learning a second language," Osterhout said. "But almost all thinking about this concerns syntax and grammar, while word learning has been ignored."

While being tested, the students wore caps fitted with 13 electrodes that measured brain response to the words in front of them. As instruction progressed, brain activity became more acute when distinguishing real words from fake words.

"What is clear is that the learners' brains are doing a much better job at word/non-word discrimination than the learners themselves," Osterhout said.

The next stage of McLaughlin and Osterhout's research is to study how quickly students learn the syntax of a second language. The researchers plan on publishing their results by late July.