Predictive processing in L2 learners: contributions of cognitive and affective factors

Area of Science:

• Psycholinguistics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Second Language Acquisition

Background:

• Semantic prediction is crucial for fluent language processing.
• Understanding factors influencing prediction in native (L1) and second language (L2) speakers is vital.
• Cognitive and affective states are known to modulate cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of cognitive (working memory, inhibitory control) and affective (mood) factors on semantic prediction in L2 learners.
• To compare semantic prediction mechanisms between L1 and L2 speakers.
• To explore how individual differences in cognitive abilities and mood influence prediction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) to measure neural responses during semantic prediction tasks.
• Assessed working memory capacity and inhibitory control using standardized cognitive tests.
• Manipulated participants' mood through standardized induction procedures.
• Analyzed group-level and individual-difference correlations between cognitive/affective measures and prediction-related ERP components.

Main Results:

• Group-level semantic prediction was evident in L1 speakers but largely absent in L2 learners.
• Individual differences significantly modulated prediction in both groups.
• In L2 learners, higher proficiency and better inhibitory control correlated with stronger predictive effects.
• Negative mood impaired L2 semantic prediction, while positive mood had a limited facilitative effect.
• For L1 speakers, inhibitory control enhanced prediction, especially with positive mood.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive and affective factors play a complex role in semantic prediction, particularly for L2 learners.
• Individual differences are key to understanding variation in L2 predictive processing.
• Findings highlight the interplay between cognition, emotion, and language comprehension in L1 and L2 speakers.
• This research offers a more nuanced view of language processing by integrating affective and cognitive dimensions.