Investigating how the brain functions during oral comprehension tasks in language learning

Investigation of Neurophysiological Functioning During Oral Comprehension Task. An Exploratory Study in Second Language (Italian) Learning in French Students Using Autonomic and Cerebral Investigation

Observational University Hospital, Grenoble · NCT06178276

This study is trying to understand how the brain works when people learn to understand spoken language in a second language by looking at their physical responses and brain activity.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Grenoble Academic / other
Locations1 site (Grenoble)
Trial IDNCT06178276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the neurophysiological processes involved in oral comprehension of a second language, focusing on different levels of understanding and phases of the comprehension process. Researchers will utilize an interactive system to identify obstacles faced during comprehension, measure autonomic nervous system responses such as electrodermal activity and heart rate variability, and employ fMRI to examine central nervous system responses. By integrating these methodologies, the study seeks to map the neural networks activated during various stages of oral comprehension.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed French learners of the Italian language who are affiliated with French social security.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have audiologic or neurologic conditions, or learning disabilities such as dyslexia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of language learning processes and improve educational strategies for second language acquisition.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of methodologies in this study may be novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding language processing and comprehension through neurophysiological approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* French learner in Italian language
* right-handed
* affiliated to French social security
* informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant woman
* audiologic pathology impacting the capacity of hearing
* neurologic or psychiatric pathology that may interfere with oral comprehension
* learning disability (for instance: dyslexia)
* contra-indication to MRI and to EDA acquisition

Where this trial is running

Grenoble

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions LearningLanguageComprehensionLanguage LearningOral comprehensionautonomic activitybrain activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.