Neurocognition of Language Learning

Research on language learning during development has allowed us to specify the neurophysiological markers reflecting phonological, lexical and syntactic processes early in life, and to describe their course of maturation (see Friederici, 2005, 2006, 2012). We, moreover, specified the neurostructural changes of the language network and showed that the maturation of particular fiber connections is crucial for higher order syntactic processes (Skeide & Friederici, 2016).

In the domain of adult language learning, we have investigated the neurophysiological characteristics of late learners of natural grammars in recent years. Currently, we are focusing on functional and structural brain changes during second language learning in adults undergoing systematic and intensive language training.

Publications