Reading fiction in a foreign language reduces the neural synchronization between semantic and emotional areas

Bilingualism Language and Cognition, vol. 29, pp. 576–587

Abstract

Abstract Unbalanced bilinguals often exhibit reduced emotionality in their non-native language, although the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) study investigated neural differences during a silent reading task where late Spanish–English bilinguals read happy, fearful and neutral fiction passages in their first (L1) and second (L2) languages. We observed a significant language-by-emotionality interaction in the left hippocampus while participants read fearful texts, indicating a stronger limbic system response in L1. Functional connectivity analyses revealed lower coupling between semantic (left anterior temporal lobe) and limbic (left amygdala) regions when reading fearful texts in L2, suggesting less integrated emotional processing. Overall, these findings show that emotional reading in unbalanced bilinguals is strongly influenced by language, with a higher emotional response and more integrated connectivity between semantic and affective areas in the native language.

Authors 5

1. Tatiana Davydova

   Universitat Jaume I

   Affiliation as printed

   Universitat Jaume I

2. Lidón Marín-Marín

   University of York

   Affiliation as printed

   Innovation Way

   University of York

3. Marc–Lluís Vives Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

4. Maya Visser

   Universitat Jaume I

   Affiliation as printed

   Universitat Jaume I

5. Víctor Costumero corresponding

   Universitat Jaume I

   Affiliation as printed

   Universitat Jaume I