The influence of intrinsic reward on word learning in oral and written contexts

Previous studies show that word learning can be intrinsically rewarding, even the absence of external feedback or incentives. Intrinsic reward activates the brain’s reward-memory circuit, leading to enhanced memory for words people enjoyed learning. However, existing studies have tested word learning through encountering written word forms (i.e., through reading). In this study, we investigate whether word learning triggers intrinsic reward across modalities, focusing on listening, reading, and listening and reading in combination. We find that when words are successfully learned, people report greater levels of enjoyment, regardless of modality. Across modalities, we also find that words with higher enjoyment ratings were remembered better than those with lower enjoyment. Our results demonstrate the relevance of the reward system for language learning, and suggest that the link between words and reward operates on higher-level word representations, rather than on modality-specific ones.