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A Bibliometric Analysis of Electroencephalography Studies on Second Language Processing from 2010 to 2024

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Title: A Bibliometric Analysis of Electroencephalography Studies on Second Language Processing from 2010 to 2024
Language: English
Authors: Talal A. Aldhaheri (ORCID 0000-0002-1082-9504), Sonali B. Kulkarni, Yasser M. Alrefaee
Source: Discover Education. 2026 5.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 37
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Bibliometrics, Educational Research, Brain, Cognitive Processes, Second Language Learning, Language Acquisition, Neurosciences, Bilingualism, Language Processing, Universities, Publications, International Cooperation, Foreign Countries, Educational Trends, Authors
Geographic Terms: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Argentina, China, Finland, France, Spain
DOI: 10.1007/s44217-026-01122-8
ISSN: 2731-5525
Abstract: The neurocognitive investigation of second language acquisition has been substantially advanced by electroencephalography (EEG), which provides millisecond-level temporal resolution for capturing the real-time neural dynamics underlying language processing. This methodological advantage has enabled researchers to examine how factors such as proficiency, age of acquisition, and cognitive abilities shape the bilingual brain. To map the intellectual structure and developmental trajectory of this interdisciplinary field, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of EEG research on second language (L2) processing as a neurocognitive component of second language acquisition, published between 2010 and 2024. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, yielding a final corpus of 153 publications, which were analyzed using the Bibliometrix R-package and its Biblioshiny interface, along with VOSviewer for network visualization. The results reveal a steady annual growth rate of 4.29% and identify three major phases of research development: foundational ERP investigations, theoretical expansion, and methodological sophistication incorporating oscillatory dynamics and network-based approaches. Core thematic clusters include neurocognitive foundations, linguistic mechanisms, and cognitive processing, with strong emphasis on methodological and demographic factors. Leading institutional contributors include Radboud University, University of Zurich, and Favaloro University, while high-impact journals such as the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychologia dominate the field. International collaboration spans four major global clusters, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany serving as primary knowledge brokers. The study concludes by identifying emerging frontiers, such as neural oscillations, connectivity analyses, and cross-linguistic neurocognitive comparisons, and offers strategic insights for researchers, institutions, and funding agencies to advance the neurocognitive understanding of second language acquisition.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507405
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
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  Data: The neurocognitive investigation of second language acquisition has been substantially advanced by electroencephalography (EEG), which provides millisecond-level temporal resolution for capturing the real-time neural dynamics underlying language processing. This methodological advantage has enabled researchers to examine how factors such as proficiency, age of acquisition, and cognitive abilities shape the bilingual brain. To map the intellectual structure and developmental trajectory of this interdisciplinary field, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of EEG research on second language (L2) processing as a neurocognitive component of second language acquisition, published between 2010 and 2024. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, yielding a final corpus of 153 publications, which were analyzed using the Bibliometrix R-package and its Biblioshiny interface, along with VOSviewer for network visualization. The results reveal a steady annual growth rate of 4.29% and identify three major phases of research development: foundational ERP investigations, theoretical expansion, and methodological sophistication incorporating oscillatory dynamics and network-based approaches. Core thematic clusters include neurocognitive foundations, linguistic mechanisms, and cognitive processing, with strong emphasis on methodological and demographic factors. Leading institutional contributors include Radboud University, University of Zurich, and Favaloro University, while high-impact journals such as the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychologia dominate the field. International collaboration spans four major global clusters, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany serving as primary knowledge brokers. The study concludes by identifying emerging frontiers, such as neural oscillations, connectivity analyses, and cross-linguistic neurocognitive comparisons, and offers strategic insights for researchers, institutions, and funding agencies to advance the neurocognitive understanding of second language acquisition.
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