The framework of embodied cognition has challenged the modular view of a language-cognition divide by suggesting that meaning-retrieval critically involves the sensory-motor system. Despite extensive research into the neural mechanisms underlying language-motor coupling, it remains unclear how the motor system might be differentially engaged by different levels of linguistic abstraction and language proficiency. To address this issue, we used fMRI to quantify neural activations in brain regions underlying motor and language processing in Chinese-English speakers' processing of literal, metaphorical, and abstract language in their L1 and L2. Results overall revealed a response in motor ROIs gradually attenuating in intensity from literal to abstract via metaphorical language in both L1 and L2. Furthermore, contrast analyses between L1 and L2 showed overall greater activations of motor ROIs in the L2. We conclude that motor involvement in language processing is graded rather than all-or-none and that the motor system has a dual-functional role.

中文翻译：

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运动系统在 L1 和 L2 动作相关语言理解中的作用：一项 fMRI 研究

具身认知框架通过暗示意义检索批判性地涉及感觉运动系统，挑战了语言认知鸿沟的模块化观点。尽管对语言-运动耦合的神经机制进行了广泛的研究，但仍不清楚运动系统如何被不同水平的语言抽象和语言熟练程度不同地参与。为了解决这个问题，我们使用 fMRI 来量化在汉英母语者处理 L1 和 L2 中的文字、隐喻和抽象语言时，潜在的运动和语言处理的大脑区域的神经激活。总体结果显示，在 L1 和 L2 中，通过隐喻语言，运动 ROI 的反应强度从字面逐渐减弱到抽象。此外，L1 和 L2 之间的对比分析显示 L2 中运动 ROI 的整体激活更大。我们得出结论，语言处理中的运动参与是分级的，而不是全有或全无，并且运动系统具有双重功能。