Cross-Language Activation Begins During Speech Planning and Extends Into Second Language Speech

Area of Science:

• Psycholinguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• Speech Production

Background:

• Cross-language activation occurs when speakers access words in one language while speaking another.
• The influence of the first language (L1) on second language (L2) speech production is a key area of psycholinguistic research.
• Understanding how L1 inhibition impacts L2 articulation is crucial for L2 pedagogy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cross-language activation in native English speakers learning Spanish.
• To compare speech production patterns between classroom L2 learners and immersion L2 learners.
• To determine if L1 inhibition affects observable speech articulation in L2.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of native English speakers (classroom L2 learners, immersion L2 learners, highly proficient speakers) named Spanish words aloud.
• Cognate and noncognate words were used to assess cross-language activation.
• Speech durations and voice onset times were measured to analyze articulation.

Main Results:

• All groups showed faster and more accurate naming of cognates, indicating cross-language activation.
• Classroom learners exhibited shorter overall durations but longer, English-like voice onset times for cognates.
• Immersion learners and highly proficient speakers did not show these specific articulation effects.

Conclusions:

• Cross-language activation is present in L2 speech planning across proficiency levels.
• L1 inhibition during L2 speech planning specifically impacts articulation stages in classroom learners.
• The learning environment (classroom vs. immersion) may influence how L1 inhibition manifests in L2 speech production.