The neural correlates of pausing behaviours in L2 writing

This study is the first to explore the neural correlates of cognitive processes proposed in models of writing, combining fMRI scanning with keystroke logging to bring together insights from neuroscience and behavioural research. We focused on a key writing mechanism, pausing; specifically, we examined how pause location (within words, between words/sentences) may relate to neural processes. The participants were 21 intermediate-level Japanese university students of L2 English, who carried out four decision-making writing tasks in English. While the participants were writing, we recorded their brain activity through fMRI scanning and their writing behaviours with keystroke logging. As predicted, pauses at lower textual units (within and between words) were associated with increased activation in language-related brain regions, whereas pauses at higher textual units (between sentences) were related to greater brain activity in planning-related brain areas. In addition, the study revealed heightened brain activity in sensory and motor regions for within-word pauses, relative to pauses between words and sentences. Given the convergence between our behavioural and neural data, the results suggest that the cognitive processes posited in models of writing correspond to identifiable neural correlates.