Embodiment effect on the comprehension of manual action language in L2: an EEG study

This study investigated whether embodied simulation contributes to second language (L2) sentence comprehension, and how temporal sentence structures modulate it when physical constraints are present. Chinese learners of English read sentences with “while” or “after” describing manual actions performed either simultaneously or sequentially. Behaviourally, “while” sentences were rated as less sensible, possibly reflecting greater difficulty in understanding them. ERP analyses showed a stronger frontal Recognition Potential (RP)–an early ERP component associated with early semantic access – for “after” sentences, which may indicate relatively easier recognition and semantic processing of sequential actions. Time-frequency analyses revealed increased midfrontal theta power for “while” sentences, suggesting greater cognitive conflict when simulating simultaneous actions under physical constraints. In contrast, mu rhythm activity did not differ between sentence types, indicating comparable levels of motor system engagement. These findings suggest a dissociation between cognitive control and sensorimotor simulation in L2 embodied language processing.