The application of electrophysiological and neuroimaging techniques in Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) tone acquisition: enlightenment on Chinese language education

Abstract: Tone acquisition, which is one of the major difficulties in Chinese as Second Language (CSL) acquisition, has become an important research field in the teaching of Chinese. In recent years, with the development of electrophysiological and neuroimaging techniques, new progress has been made in the empirical research of CSL tone acquisition. Firstly, CSL learners exhibit the pattern of categorical perception similar to native speakers through short-term tone training or classroom learning at the behavioral level, but it is difficult for them to form phonemic representation at the neural level. Secondly, CSL learners have difficulties in tone acquisition which is manifested in their weaker ability to use tonal cues in lexical decision. Perceptual training and gesture teaching can effectively promote learners’ acquisition of tone in CSL teaching. Finally, neuroplasticity maintains in adult CSL learners during the language training. This article summaries recent empirical research using the behavioral measurement, electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques in CSL tone acquisition, and discusses the critical research questions and future directions in the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language.