Speaker
Description
This study explores how vocabulary proficiency affects L2 listening. Using a cognitive neuroscience approach, we tested whether gains in listening speed reflect only faster processing or shifts in brain functional connectivity. Results show that as vocabulary knowledge deepens—from understanding meanings to productive use—listening becomes more automated and faster, accompanied by changes in neural activity and connectivity. These results highlight the importance of promoting vocabulary depth and productive knowledge.
Keywords
Listening comprehension, Vocabulary knowledge, Processing speed, Neural functional connectivity
Abstract
This study examines how vocabulary proficiency influences second-language (L2) listening from a cognitive neuroscience perspective and offers practical implications for English education. In recent years, opportunities for English discussions on topics such as the SDGs have increased, and engaging with diverse viewpoints has clear educational value for students. At the same time, discussing in English can be demanding: students may lack background knowledge, struggle to form and express their own opinions, and find it difficult to understand others. The load becomes especially heavy when they must comprehend what they hear while simultaneously preparing what to say next. L2 listening comprehension is generally thought to become more automated and faster as proficiency develops, and vocabulary size plays a critical role in this process. While knowing word meanings is essential for comprehension, explaining processing speed and automatization requires considering not only vocabulary size but also the depth of vocabulary knowledge. Vocabulary knowledge also deepens in stages—from not knowing a word’s meaning, to understanding it, and eventually to being able to use it. Focusing on this developmental shift, we investigated how vocabulary proficiency affects L2 listening by testing changes in processing speed and brain functional connectivity. The results showed that as depth of vocabulary knowledge develops, listening comprehension becomes faster, and that this improvement reflects not mere acceleration but changes in neural functional connectivity (Allal-Sumoto et al., 2023, 2024). These findings indicate that effective listening development requires instruction that fosters not only vocabulary size growth but also productive vocabulary knowledge.
Short summary
This study explores how vocabulary proficiency affects L2 listening. Using a cognitive neuroscience approach, we tested whether gains in listening speed reflect only faster processing or shifts in brain functional connectivity. Results show that as vocabulary knowledge deepens—from understanding meanings to productive use—listening becomes more automated and faster, accompanied by changes in neural activity and connectivity. These results highlight the importance of promoting vocabulary depth and productive knowledge.
References
Allal-Sumoto TK, Miyoshi K, Mizuhara H. The effect of productive vocabulary knowledge on second language comprehension. Front Psychol. 2023 Apr 14;14:1049885. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1049885. PMID: 37123293; PMCID: PMC10140509.
Allal-Sumoto TK, Şahin D, Mizuhara H. Neural activity related to productive vocabulary knowledge effects during second language comprehension. Neurosci Res. 2024 Jun;203:8-17. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.01.002. Epub 2024 Jan 18. PMID: 38242177.
| Scheduling preference | Anytime on Saturday |
|---|---|
| Title | Beyond Vocabulary Size: Vocabulary Depth Links L2 Listening and Brain Conne |