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Categorization has a deep impact on behavior, but whether category learning is served by a single system or multiple systems remains debated. Here, we designed two well-equated nonspeech auditory category learning challenges to draw on putative procedural (information-integration) versus declarative (rule-based) learning systems among adult Hebrew-speaking control participants and individuals with dyslexia, a language disorder that has been linked to a selective disruption in the procedural memory system and in which phonological deficits are ubiquitous. We observed impaired information-integration category learning and spared rule-based category learning in the dyslexia group compared with the neurotypical group. Quantitative model-based analyses revealed reduced use of, and slower shifting to, optimal procedural-based strategies in dyslexia with hypothesis-testing strategy use on par with control participants. The dissociation is consistent with multiple category learning systems and points to the possibility that procedural learning inefficiencies across categories defined by complex, multidimensional exemplars may result in difficulty in phonetic category acquisition in dyslexia. 

Most current theories and models of second language speech perception are grounded in the notion that learners acquire speech sound categories in their target language. In this paper, this classic idea in speech perception is revisited, given that clear evidence for formation of such categories is lacking in previous research. To understand the debate on the nature of speech sound representations in a second language, an operational definition of “category” is presented, and the issues of categorical perception and current theories of second language learning are reviewed. Following this, behavioral and neuroimaging evidence for and against acquisition of categorical representations is described. Finally, recommendations for future work are discussed. The paper concludes with a recommendation for integration of behavioral and neuroimaging work and theory in this area.