Speaking Mother Tongue Feels Easy, while a Second Language Feels Tiring: A Neurolinguistic Study

Abstract

This study explores the neurolinguistic phenomenon where speaking one’s mother tongue is effortless, while conversing in a second language often feels mentally exhausting. Drawing on cognitive load theory and brain activity patterns, this research examines how language processing differs between native and non-native speakers. Using neuroimaging techniques, it investigates the roles of the brain's language centers, including the Broca's and Wernicke's areas, in managing fluency and cognitive effort. The findings highlight that speaking a second language requires increased activation of working memory and executive functions, making the process more resource-intensive. Cultural and emotional connections with one’s native language further reduce cognitive strain, suggesting an interplay between linguistic familiarity, emotional resonance, and neural efficiency. This research underscores the importance of understanding language processing for practical applications in education, multilingualism, and cognitive therapy.