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Statistical learning and second language acquisition: individual differences and neurobiological underpinning.

Objective

Consider a Libyan immigrating to Italy, or a businessman relocated in Tel Aviv. Reading in a second language would be a prerequisite for a successful assimilation in a new country. How is this formidable task achieved? The overarching goal of INDIV-STAT is to provide a deep understanding of second language (L2) literacy acquisition by tying individual abilities in language learning to the domain-general capacity to detect, store, and use statistical regularities in the input. The project brings together (a) behavioral research on individual differences in statistical learning (SL), and (b) a controlled investigation of the neurobiological basis of SL capacities. It launches a set of mutually informative research axes: First, given the large individual differences in L2 learning, we develop psychometrically reliable behavioral tests of individuals’ capacities to extract regularities in the visual and auditory modalities, to better measure behavioral SL, and serve the subsequent experimental packages. Second, we use EEG and MEG, targeting the what, where, and how of SL, probing its neural underpinning. By obtaining reliable brain signatures of the neural dynamics associated with SL we will be able to examine the detection of language-related regularities for print and speech during L2 learning. Third, we launch a series of behavioral experiments to investigate the link between individual capacities in SL, and the ease or difficulty of L2 literacy acquisition. Finally, we evaluate whether we can experimentally enhance the process of acquiring literacy in L2 by enhancing participants’ sensitivity to regularities. The project will offer an empirically-validated neurobiological theory of how the specific statistical properties of a language are assimilated during L2 literacy acquisition, addressing also individual differences in learning capacity. This will have important educational and societally implications.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

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Coordinator

THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 170 509,20
Address
EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 170 509,20
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