Researchers at New York University led by Esti Blanco-Elorrieta published a study in JNeurosci. They tested Spanish–English bilingual speakers and used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to record brain activity with very fast timing. Participants heard a singular word such as "boat" or "barco" and were asked to say the plural form.
The team also used cognates (similar words across languages) and pseudowords like "paple". These made-up words helped the researchers see if the brain applies the same grammar rules to new words. Results showed the same brain patterns for both languages and for pseudowords, which suggests a single shared grammar system.
The study received support from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Difficult words
- magnetoencephalography — a method to record fast brain magnetic activity
- cognate — a word similar in two different languagescognates
- pseudoword — a made-up word with no real meaningpseudowords
- plural — a word form meaning more than one
- grammar — the system of rules for a language
- participant — a person who takes part in a studyParticipants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you speak two languages? Which ones?
- Is it easy for you to make plurals in another language? Why or why not?
- Do you think new made-up words follow the same grammar rules as known words? Why?
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