Reaction Time, Speech Recognition, and Verbal Memory Performance: Nonnative Versus Native English Speakers.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Linguistics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous research on spoken language processing differences between native and nonnative English speakers has produced inconsistent findings.
• Discrepancies in results highlight the need for comprehensive comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare auditory, speech, and memory processing in nonnative and native English language speakers (NELS).
• To address inconsistencies in prior research by employing a standardized battery of tasks.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 70 university students (29 nonnative, 41 native NELS) aged 18-35.
• Participants completed auditory/visual reaction time (RT), speech recognition, and verbal memory tasks.
• Assessments were conducted in quiet and multitalker babble noise (0 dB) conditions.

Main Results:

• Nonnative speakers performed significantly worse than native speakers in sentence recognition and word memory tasks, regardless of noise conditions (p < .001).
• Both groups showed reduced word recognition and slower RTs in noise compared to quiet (p < .001).

Conclusions:

• Background noise universally degrades auditory processing, affecting RT, speech recognition, and memory.
• Nonnative English language students face greater challenges in speech perception and memory recall in English, necessitating targeted academic support.