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Language experience shapes predictive processing: Anticipatory brain states and prediction-related facilitation in bilinguals and monolinguals
Poster Session B, Friday, September 12, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Field House
Katherine Sendek1, Tamara Swaab1; 1University of California - Davis
Previous research examining prediction during language processing in bilinguals has shown mixed results in the second language (L2), finding robust effects, reduced effects, or no prediction effects at all. One explanation for altered prediction in bilinguals’ L2 is that they may have limited or qualitatively different experience with the target language, leading to weaker prediction effects compared to monolinguals (Kaan, 2014; Schlenter, 2023). However, most of these studies have only compared bilinguals using their L2 to monolinguals, making it difficult to determine whether the differences are due to L2 proficiency or bilingualism more generally. Notably, studies that have examined bilinguals in their L1 have also found differences in predictive processing compared to monolinguals (Dijkgraaf et al., 2016; Foucart et al., 2014), suggesting that broader aspects of bilingual language experience may influence prediction. It remains unclear whether effects observed in L2 prediction—such as reduced or altered neural markers of anticipation—are driven by experience with the target language, or by broader cognitive and neural differences associated with bilingualism, such as managing two languages, increased demands on language control, or greater linguistic uncertainty. We hypothesized that sufficient target-language experience is required to generate robust prediction effects. In addition, we explored whether bilinguals with high proficiency might still show differences in the nature or distribution of prediction-related neural responses compared to monolinguals, reflecting the influence of dual-language experience. To index predictive engagement, prior studies have examined the relationship between aperiodic slope—a measure of broadband, non-oscillatory EEG activity linked to global brain state—and the N400 effect of prediction facilitation, finding that steeper slopes are linked to larger N400 effects (Dave et al., 2018). We explored the effects of target- and dual-language experience on prediction in EEG during reading of English high- or low-constraint sentences. Mandarin-English bilinguals of varied English proficiency and English monolinguals participated. Bilinguals were median split into high and low English proficiency groups, with the high-proficiency group matched to monolinguals. Aperiodic slope was measured before target word onset, and N400 amplitude was measured at the target. High proficiency bilinguals showed larger N400 effects than low proficiency bilinguals, and more posterior and enhanced N400 effects compared to monolinguals—suggesting that, when target-language experience is sufficient, dual-language experience may enhance prediction in supportive contexts. To assess whether language knowledge contributes to predictive facilitation, we conducted a continuous analysis using LexTALE—a standardized vocabulary test estimating English proficiency. LexTALE predicted N400 amplitude across all groups, indicating that greater vocabulary knowledge enhances prediction, regardless of bilingual status. Finally, we replicated Dave et al. (2018), showing that steeper aperiodic slope predicted larger N400 effects at the target. This suggests that individuals in an enhanced preparatory brain state—indexed by steeper slope—are more likely to engage in predictive processing. Within bilinguals, this relationship was modulated by language dominance, indicating that dual-language experience influences reliance on prediction. Together, these findings suggest that target-language experience supports predictive processing, while dual-language experience may shape how prediction is engaged.
Topic Areas: Multilingualism, Control, Selection, and Executive Processes