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Providing Neuroscientific Ground for Text Simplification: An fMRI Study using a Parallel Corpus of Simple and Complex Japanese Texts
Poster Session C, Thursday, October 1, 10:45 am - 12:45 pm, Wangari Maathai
This poster is part of the Sandbox Series.
Beatrice Iaria1, Hiromu Sakai1, Michiru Makuuchi2; 1Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, 2Section of Neuropsychology, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
Introduction: The complex linguistic structures of texts often hinder comprehension across diverse populations. To address this, text simplification guidelines such as plain language (PL) [1] or easy language (EL) [2] have emerged worldwide; however, they lack rigorous scientific grounding, relying on heuristic assumptions rather than empirical data. To resolve these limitations, we examine whether simplified sentences result in better comprehension than complex sentences, while measuring brain activities using fMRI. Specifically, we investigate local neural activities and network synchronization within core language regions, including the left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44/45), the superior/middle temporal gyrus (BA 22), and the angular gyrus (BA 39) during the processing of Japanese texts extracted from the parallel corpus of complex and simplified texts. Methods: 30 Japanese native speakers will participate in this study. To map individual cognitive profiles, participants undergo extensive neuropsychological assessments targeting language abilities (Japanese version of NART, Cloze task, vocabulary size estimation), intelligence (ICAR-16), working memory (Digit, Reading, and Operation Spans), and social traits (AQ, EQ-SQ, CAARS, ADOS, TAS, IRI). Using a 3.0T MRI, we present 69 pairs of complex and simple sentences derived from an in-house parallel corpus of text simplification. Expanded from the original STAGE corpus [3], which was specifically designed as a newspaper for people with intellectual disabilities and consisted exclusively of simple sentences, this parallel corpus was developed by generating complex sentence counterparts using Large Language Models (LLMs), followed by manual verification and refinement. Stimuli are displayed segment-by-segment (600ms segment, 100ms blank) onto a monitor, viewed via a head-coil mounted mirror system. Interposed between the text and the question, a 600ms post-text delay is introduced, followed by a mandatory 2-alternative forced-choice question (4000ms) answered via an MRI-compatible button box. Anticipated Results: We predict that linguistic complexity and individual Cognitive Abilities (CA) interact dynamically to modulate localized BOLD signals and functional connectivity between the frontal and temporal language areas (LIFG and pSTS/G). When processing complex sentences, lower-CA readers will result in an increased BOLD signal with disrupted functional connectivity. Conversely, simplified texts in lower-CA individuals will induce a BOLD decrease and synchronized functional connectivity. For higher-CA readers, in contrast, complex texts will result in an increased BOLD signal, and preserved functional connectivity, whereas simplified texts will show a decreased BOLD signal, and preserved functional connectivity. Conclusion: This study will provide neuroscientific evidence for improved comprehension of simplified texts. Accumulation of such findings will bridge the gap between practice and theory, providing the empirical foundation necessary to optimize future EL/PL guidelines. Reference [1] International Organization for Standardization. (2023). Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines (ISO 24495-1:2023). [2] Freyhoff, G., Hess, G., Kerr, L., Tronbacke, B., & Van Der Veken, K. (1998). Make it simple: European guidelines for the production of easy-to-read information for people with learning disability for authors, editors, information providers, translators and other interested persons. ILSMH European Association. [3] Nozawa, K. (2006). Chiteki shōgaisha no tame no shinbun "Sutēji" [The newspaper "Stage" for people with intellectual disabilities]. Gengo, 35(7), 60–67.
Topic Areas: Reading,