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Writing Systems, Reading Processes, and Cross-Linguistic Influences: Reflections from the Chinese, Japanese and Korean Languages
Edited by Hye K. Pae
[Bilingual Processing and Acquisition 7] 2018
► pp. 411–426

Chapter 20
Neural mechanisms of reading in Korean L1 and related L2 reading

Korean has a unique status compared to other alphabetic orthographies in terms of its phonology-orthography mapping and visual-orthographic configuration. In this chapter we reviewed recent literature on the neural bases of reading in Korean L1 to understand whether and how the characteristics of Korean orthography are reflected in the brain network. We then reviewed recent neuroimaging literature concerning the L1 effect on L2 reading with Korean L1. Evidence suggests that when reading English L2, native Korean readers engage the brain network similar to the Korean L1 network (i.e., assimilation). In contrast, when reading Chinese L2, the brain network involved is significantly different from the Korean L1 network (i.e., accommodation). The L2 brain network seems to be shaped by L1 experience. The chapter concluded with a discussion of future research directions.

Keywords: neural mechanism, reading in Korean, L1 reading network, L2 reading network
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Neuroimaging studies on reading in Korean L1
    • Reading in Hangul words vs. Hanja words
    • Reading Hangul words vs. Chinese words
  • ERP studies on reading Hangul L1
  • Research on bilingual reading related to Korean L1
  • Limitations and future research directions
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 10 July 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/bpa.7.20kim
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