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Native language influences on word recognition in a second language: a megastudy
Kristin Lemhöfer1, Ton Dijkstra, Herbert Schriefers
1Nijmegen Institute of Cognition and Information, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. kristin.lemhoefer@mpi.nl
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|January 16, 2008
Summary
Second language (L2) word recognition is mainly influenced by L2 factors, not native language (L1) background. Cross-language effects, like cognate status, play a limited role in bilingual word identification.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Bilingualism
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Second language (L2) word recognition is known to be influenced by the native language (L1).
- The specific impact of different language combinations on L2 word recognition remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of language combination in L2 word recognition.
- To identify within- and between-language factors influencing L2 word identification.
Main Methods:
- Administered a progressive demasking word identification task to 1,025 monosyllabic English (L2) words.
- Included native speakers of French, German, and Dutch.
- Employed a regression approach with numerous within- and between-language variables.
Main Results:
- Found significant overlap in reaction time patterns across different bilingual groups, indicating generalizability.
- Identified cognate status as the sole significant between-language predictor.
- Determined that within-language factors of the target language (L2) were primary predictors.
Conclusions:
- Proficient bilinguals' L2 word recognition is predominantly governed by L2-internal factors.
- Cross-language influences on L2 word recognition are limited, with cognate status being a minor factor.
- Subtle but significant differences exist between native language (L1) and L2 processing in bilinguals.
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