Abstract: Processing ambiguous text is an ever challenging problem for humans. In this study, we investigate how native-Arabic speakers face problems in processing their non-native English language text which involves ambiguity. As a case study, we focus on prepositional-phrase (PP) attachment ambiguity whereby a PP can be attached to the preceding noun (aka low attachment) or the preceding verb (aka high attachment). We setup an experiment in which human participants read text on a computer screen and their brain activity is monitored using near infrared spectroscopy. Participants read two types of text: one involving PP-attachment ambiguity and the other unambiguous text which is used as a control for comparison purposes. The brain activity data for ambiguous and control text are clustered using hierarchical-clustering technique available in Weka. The data reveal that Arabic speakers face more difficulty in processing ambiguous text as compared to unambiguous text.

Imtiaz Hussain Khan, “Using Brain Imaging to Gauge Difficulties in Processing Ambiguous Text by Non-native Speakers” International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications(IJACSA), 10(10), 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2019.0101014

@article{Khan2019,
title = {Using Brain Imaging to Gauge Difficulties in Processing Ambiguous Text by Non-native Speakers},
journal = {International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications},
doi = {10.14569/IJACSA.2019.0101014},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2019.0101014},
year = {2019},
publisher = {The Science and Information Organization},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
author = {Imtiaz Hussain Khan}
}