Neural processes underlying the perceptual learning of the English /r-l/ phonetic contrast by native Japanese speakers before and after extensive perceptual identification training using feedback was investigated using fMRI. Relative to control conditions (English /b-v/ and /b-g/ contrasts), the /r-l/ contrast showed greater brain activity as well as functional connectivity (reflecting underlying global mappings) post- relative to pre- training bilaterally in frontal and temporal brain areas involved with speech processing as well as the cerebellum and the putamen.