Exploring the Neural Representation of Novel Words Learned Through Enactment in a Word Recognition Task

Overview

Journal Front Psychol

Date 2016 Jul 23

PMID 27445918

Citations 15

Authors

Manuela Macedonia

Karsten Mueller

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Vocabulary learning in a second language is enhanced if learners enrich the learning experience with self-performed iconic gestures. This learning strategy is called enactment. Here we explore how enacted words are functionally represented in the brain and which brain regions contribute to enhance retention. After an enactment training lasting 4 days, participants performed a word recognition task in the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scanner. Data analysis suggests the participation of different and partially intertwined networks that are engaged in higher cognitive processes, i.e., enhanced attention and word recognition. Also, an experience-related network seems to map word representation. Besides core language regions, this latter network includes sensory and motor cortices, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. On the basis of its complexity and the involvement of the motor system, this sensorimotor network might explain superior retention for enactment.

Citing Articles

Gestures as Scaffolding to Learn Vocabulary in a Foreign Language.

Garcia-Gamez A, Macizo P Brain Sci. 2023; 13(12).

PMID: 38137160 PMC: 10741801. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121712.

Benefits of Enacting and Observing Gestures on Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oppici L, Mathias B, Narciss S, Proske A Behav Sci (Basel). 2023; 13(11).

PMID: 37998667 PMC: 10669578. DOI: 10.3390/bs13110920.

Brain Signatures of Embodied Semantics and Language: A Consensus Paper.

Bechtold L, Cosper S, Malyshevskaya A, Montefinese M, Morucci P, Niccolai V J Cogn. 2023; 6(1):61.

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Embodying Language through Gestures: Residuals of Motor Memories Modulate Motor Cortex Excitability during Abstract Words Comprehension.

De Marco D, De Stefani E, Vecchiato G Sensors (Basel). 2022; 22(20).

PMID: 36298083 PMC: 9610064. DOI: 10.3390/s22207734.

Visual recognition of words learned with gestures induces motor resonance in the forearm muscles.

Repetto C, Mathias B, Weichselbaum O, Macedonia M Sci Rep. 2021; 11(1):17278.

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