Paper Info
Title
Noninvasive brain stimulation improves language learning.
Abstract
Anodal transcranial direct current Stimulation (tDCS) is a reliable technique to improve motor learning. We here wanted to test its potential to enhance associative verbal learning, a skill crucial for both acquiring new languages in healthy individuals and for language reacquisition after stroke-induced aphasia. We applied tDCS (20 min, 1 mA) over the posterior part of the left peri-sylvian area of 19 young right-handed individuals while subjects acquired a miniature lexicon of 30 novel object names. Every subject participated in one session of anodal tDCS, one session of cathodal tDCS, and one sham session in a randomized and double-blinded design with three parallel versions of the miniature lexicon. Outcome measures were learning speed and learning success at the end of each session, and the transfer to the subjects' native language after the respective stimulation. With anodal stimulation, subjects showed faster and better associative learning as compared to sham stimulation. Mood ratings, reaction times, and response styles were comparable between stimulation conditions. Our results demonstrate that anodal tDCS is a promising technique to enhance language learning in healthy adults and may also have the potential to improve language reacquisition after stroke.
Year
DOI
Venue
2008
10.1162/jocn.2008.20098
JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
Keywords
Field
DocType
motor learning,language learning,native language,reaction time
Motor learning,Brain stimulation,Cognitive psychology,Psychology,Aphasia,Language acquisition,Lexicon,Associative learning,Transcranial direct-current stimulation,First language
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
20
8
0898-929X
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
16
3.01
3
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Agnes Flöel1517.91
Nina Rösser2163.01
Olesya Michka3163.01
Stefan Knecht4538.67
Caterina Breitenstein5638.21