Electrophysiological evidence for cross-language interference in foreign-language attrition

Foreign language attrition (FLA) appears to be driven by interference from other, more recently-used languages (Mickan et al., 2020). Here we tracked these dynamics electrophysiologically further our understanding of the underlying processes. Twenty-seven Dutch native speakers learned 70 new Italian words over two days. On a third day, EEG was recorded as they performed naming tasks on half in English and, finally, their memory for all tested picture-naming task. Replicating Mickan al. recall slower and tended less complete that were interfered with (i.e., named English) than not. These behavioral effects accompanied an enhanced frontal N2 decreased late positivity (LPC) compared not-interfered items. Moreover, items elicited theta power. We also found increased during phase participants later retrieve Italian. interpret markers interference, line idea retrieval at final test is hampered competition recently practiced translations. The LPC, turn, reflects consequences interference: reduced accessibility labels. Finally, ease related degree previous shows FLA already set motion phase, hence can direct consequence using other languages.