Abstract
Mind wandering is often considered as disadvantageous and obstructive within the classroom. However, recent research has discovered that one important resting state network in the human brain, the default mode network, is in charge of this cognitive process and actually entails various advantages, especially in the field of language acquisition, processing, and performance. Mind wandering also augments creativity, particularly divergent thinking, and fosters productive language use. With the help of the latest technological progress, it has additionally become possible to locate this particular neural network and verify its underestimated potentials. Therefore, this chapter not only provides basic knowledge about the language related neurobiological basis but also presents recently collected data of language acquisition-related neuroscientific studies in contrast to existing findings of language acquisition, as well as implications for efficient language didactical implementations.
Keywords
- Resting state network
- Default mode network
- Mind wandering
- Language acquisition
- Language teaching
- Creativity
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Böttger, H., Költzsch, D. (2022). The Secret Powers of a Wandering Mind: Underestimated Potential of a Resting State Network for Language Acquisition. In: Dario, N., Tateo, L. (eds) New Perspectives on Mind-Wandering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06955-0_12
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