The plasticity of lexical selection mechanism in word production
Chunyan Kang, Fengyang Ma, and Taomei Guo
The present study examined the plasticity of the lexical selection mechanism in bilingual word production by training a group of unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals with a language switching task. ERP results revealed a training effect such that after training, the N2 peak latency in cue-locked ERPs was shortened only in the experimental group. These results suggest that short-term language switching experience could improve the efficiency to establish the target language task schema.
Published: Kang, Ch., Ma, F., & Guo, T. (2017). Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 19, 1-18.
When late second language learners access the meaning of L2 words
Fengyang Ma, Peiyao Chen, Taomei Guo, and Judith F. Kroll
We tested whether L2 learners initially access the meaning of L2 words via the L1 using a translation recognition task with ERPs. The behavioral data revealed semantic and translation interference at both SOAs. These data suggest that even less proficient learners are able to access the meaning of the L2 word in comprehension without L1 mediation.
Published: Ma, F., Chen, P., Guo, T., & Kroll, J. F. (2017). Journal of Neurolinguistics, 41(1), 50-69.
Reactive and proactive control in bilingual word production
Fengyang Ma, Shengcao Li, Taomei Guo
The present study examined how reactive control (indexed by switching costs) and proactive control (indexed by mixing costs) during bilingual language production was modulated by three factors reflected by different time-courses of stimulus presentation. The findings suggest the dynamic nature of reactive and proactive control in unbalanced bilinguals.
Published: Ma, F., Li, Sh., & Guo, T. (2016). Journal of Memory and Language, 86, 35-59.
Improving proactive control with training on language switching in bilinguals
Haoyun Zhang, Chunyan Kang, Yanjing Wu, Fengyang Ma, Taomei Guo
The present study examined how a short period of language switching training affects nonverbal cognitive control. The behavioral measurement of proactive control is significantly larger in the post-training phase, indicating a proactive control shift. These findings suggest that language switching training enhances proactive control in bilinguals.
Published: Zhang, H., Kang, Ch., Wu, Y., Ma, F., & Guo, T. (2015). NeuroReport, 26(6), 354-359.
An ERP study of inhibition of non-target languages in trilingual word production
Taomei Guo, Fengyang Ma, Fengqin Liu
The present study examined the locus where inhibition of non-target languages is exerted during trilingual word production. The results indicate that inhibition of non-target languages occurs at the lemma selection phase rather than the language task schemas phase during trilingual language production.
Published: Guo, T., Ma, F., & Liu, F. (2013). Brain and Language, 127(1), 12-20.