Prof. LI Ping, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies

Neurocognitive Studies of Language Learning in a Digital Era. “Innovations in language assessment” A Conference on Language Assessment in Hong Kong. Duolingo English Test, Hong Kong, China, 8-9 September 2023.

Abstract
In an era of rapid developments in digital technology and AI, second language (L2) scholars need to consider how to leverage technological tools for both research and education. In this talk, I outline an approach that combines emerging technologies with current neurocognitive theories, with a particular reference to embodied language learning. I highlight the differences in learning between children and adults, and suggest ‘social learning of L2’ (SL2) as a new framework for thinking about L1-L2 differences and the corresponding neural correlates. The neural evidence from our work shows that SL2-based learning, as compared with traditional classroom-based learning, can lead to brain network patterns in L2 that are more similar to those underlying L1. Theoretically, this approach can help us to gain a deeper understanding of embodied learning and its neural mechanisms. Practically, this approach emphasizes context-based communicative abilities rather than classroom-based practice, and through the collection and analyses of real-time multimodal data, this approach sheds light into language assessment and personalized language education, thereby informing pedagogical designs and instructional innovations.