The neural plasticity underlying language learning is a process rather than a single event. However, the dynamics of training‐induced brain reorganization have rarely been examined, especially using a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging approach, which allows us to study the relationship between functional and structural changes. We focus on sign language acquisition in hearing adults who underwent an 8‐month long course and five neuroimaging sessions. We assessed what neural changes occurred as participants learned a new language in a different modality—as reflected by task‐based activity, connectivity changes, and co‐occurring structural alterations. Major changes in the activity pattern appeared after just 3 months of learning, as indicated by increases in activation within the modality‐independent perisylvian language network, together with increased activation in modality‐dependent parieto‐occipital, visuospatial and motion‐sensitive regions. Despite further learning, no alterations in activation were detected during the following months. However, enhanced coupling between left‐lateralized occipital and inferior frontal regions was observed as the proficiency increased. Furthermore, an increase in gray matter volume was detected in the left inferior frontal gyrus which peaked at the end of learning. Overall, these results showed complexity and temporal distinctiveness of various aspects of brain reorganization associated with learning of new language in different sensory modality.

中文翻译：

---

听力晚期手语学习者大脑重组的多模态成像

语言学习背后的神经可塑性是一个过程，而不是单个事件。然而，训练诱导的大脑重组的动力学很少被检查，特别是使用多模态磁共振成像方法，这使我们能够研究功能和结构变化之间的关系。我们专注于接受 8 个月课程和 5 次神经影像学检查的听力正常的成年人的手语习得。我们评估了当参与者以不同的方式学习一门新语言时发生了哪些神经变化——这反映在基于任务的活动、连接性变化和同时发生的结构变化上。仅 3 个月的学习后，活动模式就出现了重大变化，如独立于形式的 perisylvian 语言网络内的激活增加所示，加上形态依赖的顶枕、视觉空间和运动敏感区域的激活增加。尽管进行了进一步的学习，但在接下来的几个月中没有检测到激活的变化。然而，随着熟练程度的提高，观察到左侧枕部和额下区域之间的耦合增强。此外，在学习结束时达到峰值的左侧额下回中检测到灰质体积的增加。总体而言，这些结果显示了与以不同感觉方式学习新语言相关的大脑重组各个方面的复杂性和时间独特性。在接下来的几个月里，没有检测到激活的变化。然而，随着熟练程度的提高，观察到左侧枕部和额下区域之间的耦合增强。此外，在学习结束时达到峰值的左侧额下回中检测到灰质体积的增加。总体而言，这些结果显示了与以不同感觉方式学习新语言相关的大脑重组各个方面的复杂性和时间独特性。在接下来的几个月里，没有检测到激活的变化。然而，随着熟练程度的提高，观察到左侧枕部和额下区域之间的耦合增强。此外，在学习结束时达到峰值的左侧额下回中检测到灰质体积的增加。总体而言，这些结果显示了与以不同感觉方式学习新语言相关的大脑重组各个方面的复杂性和时间独特性。