Neural specialization of print processing in second language learning: A longitudinal ERP study of Chinese children learning English

The N1 component of event-related potentials (ERP) reflects print tuning and lexicality effects. Previous studies have shown that for a second learned writing system, tuning and lexical effects are associated with age and ability. However, the developmental trajectory of these tuning and lexicality effects, and how language skills influence them, remains unclear. The present study investigated how English reading abilities contribute to longitudinal changes in N1 amplitude and print tuning among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Forty-three children performed a repetition detection task while EEG was recorded to examine three types of tuning: coarse tuning (real word versus false font symbol), fine tuning (real word versus nonword), and lexicality effect (real word versus pseudoword). Children's English word reading accuracy (EWR) was assessed. Results revealed significant coarse tuning and lexicality effects but no significant fine tuning effect. Only coarse tuning showed longitudinal change, with the coarse tuning effect decreasing over time. Furthermore, the N1 coarse tuning effect increased with EWR in the first assessment but decreased with EWR in the second assessment. This modulation was not found for fine tuning or lexicality effects. These findings support the visual perceptual expertise account in the second language (L2) context, demonstrating that the coarse tuning effect, but not fine tuning and lexicality effects, undergoes developmental changes that are modulated by reading skills.