Semantic and attentional networks in bilingual processing: fMRI connectivity signatures of translation directionality

Abstract

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Language Familiarity and Proficiency Leads to Differential Cortical Processing During Translation Between Distantly Related Languages

“…These results may imply that enhanced functional connectivity between semantic and attentional mechanisms is involved during L1-into-L2 translation (Zheng et al, 2020). The finding in Zheng et al (2020) is consistent with the assumption in the IC model that two different routes are involved depending on the direction of word translation (L1-into-L2 or L2-into-L1) (Jescheniak and Levelt, 1994;Price et al, 1999).…”

“…Zheng et al (2020) demonstrated that functional connectivity between a core semantic hub (the left anterior temporal lobe, ATL) and key nodes of attentional and vigilance networks (left inferior frontal, left orbitofrontal, and bilateral parietal clusters) increased during L1-into-L2 translation, whereas functional connectivity was observed only between the left ATL and the right thalamus, regions implicated in the automatic relaying of sensory information to cortical regions, during L2-into-L1 translation. These results may imply that enhanced functional connectivity between semantic and attentional mechanisms is involved during L1-into-L2 translation (Zheng et al, 2020). The finding in Zheng et al (2020) is consistent with the assumption in the IC model that two different routes are involved depending on the direction of word translation (L1-into-L2 or L2-into-L1) (Jescheniak and Levelt, 1994;Price et al, 1999).…”

“…This finding cannot be discussed from a LD-based perspective (Chiswick and Miller, 2005) because participants did not necessarily translate English as the L2, but it is important in clarifying the neural basis of translation. There are also studies showing that the functional connectivity of the brain is different between L1into-L2 and L2-into-L1 translation (Zheng et al, 2020). Zheng et al (2020) demonstrated that functional connectivity between a core semantic hub (the left anterior temporal lobe, ATL) and key nodes of attentional and vigilance networks (left inferior frontal, left orbitofrontal, and bilateral parietal clusters) increased during L1-into-L2 translation, whereas functional connectivity was observed only between the left ATL and the right thalamus, regions implicated in the automatic relaying of sensory information to cortical regions, during L2-into-L1 translation.…”

“…There are also studies showing that the functional connectivity of the brain is different between L1into-L2 and L2-into-L1 translation (Zheng et al, 2020). Zheng et al (2020) demonstrated that functional connectivity between a core semantic hub (the left anterior temporal lobe, ATL) and key nodes of attentional and vigilance networks (left inferior frontal, left orbitofrontal, and bilateral parietal clusters) increased during L1-into-L2 translation, whereas functional connectivity was observed only between the left ATL and the right thalamus, regions implicated in the automatic relaying of sensory information to cortical regions, during L2-into-L1 translation. These results may imply that enhanced functional connectivity between semantic and attentional mechanisms is involved during L1-into-L2 translation (Zheng et al, 2020).…”

Translator autonomy in the age of behavioural data

“…In academic contexts, it is common practice to use behavioural data to gain insight into the translation process. Research in this area has used methods such as eye tracking (O'Brien 2011), electroencephalography (Hansen-Schirra 2017), brain imaging techniques (Zheng et al 2020) and, more commonly, time measurements (Toral, Wieling & Way 2018). While research can influence industry practices-and vice versa-behaviour is not normally measured commercially or for profit in these studies, but rather to improve knowledge and understanding.…”