Processing reduced speech in the L1 and L2: a combined eye-tracking and ERP study

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psycholinguistics
• Second Language Acquisition

Background:

• Understanding spoken language involves processing variations in pronunciation.
• Reduced word forms are common in fluent speech and pose challenges for language learners.
• Previous research often relies on event-related potentials (ERPs) like N100/N400 and P600 to study comprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind comprehending reduced French pronunciation variants.
• To compare the processing of reduced forms in native French speakers and advanced learners.
• To explore novel methods for combining eye-tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) data.

Main Methods:

• A passive listening visual world paradigm was employed.
• Participants (natives and advanced learners of French) heard sentences with reduced or full word forms.
• Eye movements and EEG were recorded simultaneously and analyzed in combination.

Main Results:

• Reduced pronunciation had a more pronounced effect on phonetic processing and semantic integration in learners than in natives.
• The observed effects differed from typical N100/N400 and P600 patterns.
• Synchronizing EEG signals with eye-movement fixation points provided insights into semantic integration timing.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive processing of reduced pronunciation in French differs significantly between native speakers and advanced learners.
• Learners exhibit unique neurophysiological responses to phonetic reduction and semantic integration.
• Combined eye-tracking and EEG analysis offers a powerful approach to studying real-time language comprehension.