Welcome to the Brain, Language, and Computation Lab at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University!
In our laboratory we conduct research to understand the neural and computational bases of language representation and learning. Our research specifically addresses the questions of neuroplasticity (e.g., how does language learning lead to experience-dependent brain changes?), individual differences (e.g., how does cognitive capacity impact learning success?), and knowledge representation (e.g., how does brain connectivity reflect knowledge and understanding?).
To achieve these goals, we rely on a variety of convergent behavioral, computational, and neuroimaging methodologies and technologies (e.g., cognitive testing, artificial neural network modeling, virtual reality, and functional magnetic resonance imaging).
Ping Li and Colleague published a paper “The social brain of language: grounding second language learning in social interaction” in npj Science of Learning.See also the post “Social Interaction is Good for Learning a New Language, Social Isolation is Not“.
Ping Li and Colleagues published a paper “Virtual reality for student learning: Understanding individual differences” in “Human Behavior and Brain”.
Ping Li and Colleagues published a paper “A neuroimaging study of semantic representation in first and second languages” in Language Cognition and Neuroscience.
Hsu et al. (2019) “Neurocognitive signatures of naturalistic reading of scientific texts: A fixation-related fMRI study” is among the Top 100 most downloaded Scientific Reports neuroscience papers in 2019.
Ping Li and lab colleagues received media attention for the work published on Scientific Reports, including: Tung, L. (Aug. 24, 2019). Could texting be making us worse at understanding science? Swayne, M. (Aug. 13, 2019). D0 our electronic devices make it tougher to grasp science? O’Connor, M. (Aug. 13, 2019). Neuroimaging shows e-devices may hamper understanding of Read more about August 2019[…]
Former BLC lab member, Jennifer Legault, received PSU media attention for her work using VR for second language vocabulary learning in Languages.
Former BLC Lab student Angela Grant published on neurocognitive mechanisms of second language using neuroimaging in Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience.
Jennifer Legault and colleagues published a paper on structural brain changes after second language vocabulary training in Brain and Cognition
Ping Li and Roy Clariana published a paper on bilingual reading comprehension in the Journal of Neurolinguistics.
Ping Li and colleagues’ research on scientific reading and electronic reading devices was featured on Penn State News, ScienceDaily, DigitalTrends, and more!