EEG Correlates of Language Proficiency: A Systematic Review with Theoretical Analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

2 Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran Gulf College, Oman

Abstract

The assessment of language proficiency through traditional testing methods imposes a significant resource burden in educational settings. Electroencephalography (EEG) provides neurophysiological evidence of language proficiency by assessing neural oscillations that reflect the brain's underlying learning mechanisms and cognitive readiness. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 19 studies to see whether brainwave measures can serve as dependable proxies for proficiency and to identify which view of proficiency, including linguistic, functional/communicative, cognitive/academic, and socio-cultural, has received the most attention in the oscillation literature. To that end, we searched several major databases for peer-reviewed international studies published over the past decade, from 2015 through 2025. The reviewed literature reveals robust correlations between neural oscillatory activity and language proficiency, with findings that differ across frequency bands, age groups, and populations. The results also indicate a dominance of cognitive and linguistic perspectives on language proficiency. Brainwave markers show promise as a complementary tool for supporting, rather than replacing, standard assessments, though further validation is still required. Their value lies in opening up new avenues for studying the brain's role in language learning.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Applied Research on English Language

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 August 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 June 2026
  • Revise Date: 05 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 17 August 2026

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