Chapter 7. The L2 semantic attentional blink
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Norman Segalowitz
Abstract
Second language (L2) users are typically less proficient in their L2 than in their first language. One explanation may be that the L2 requires more attentional capacity. To test this, English speakers of L2 French performed a semantic attentional blink (AB) task, in both languages. A significant AB effect was obtained in each language; however, the effect was smaller in the L2, indicating that the attention burden associated with the AB task was paradoxically lower in the L2. Also, the magnitude of the AB effect correlated positively with a measure of L2 lexical access efficiency. Results are discussed in terms of attention-based and automatic processing in L2 lexical access and in terms of their implications for L2 learning and teaching.
Abstract
Second language (L2) users are typically less proficient in their L2 than in their first language. One explanation may be that the L2 requires more attentional capacity. To test this, English speakers of L2 French performed a semantic attentional blink (AB) task, in both languages. A significant AB effect was obtained in each language; however, the effect was smaller in the L2, indicating that the attention burden associated with the AB task was paradoxically lower in the L2. Also, the magnitude of the AB effect correlated positively with a measure of L2 lexical access efficiency. Results are discussed in terms of attention-based and automatic processing in L2 lexical access and in terms of their implications for L2 learning and teaching.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of contributors vii
- Acknowledgements ix
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. Using priming methods to study L2 learning and teaching 3
-
Part I. Using priming methods in L2 learning research
- Chapter 2. Acquiring second language vocabulary through the use of images and words 21
- Chapter 3. Some costs of fooling Mother Nature 49
- Chapter 4. Using priming to explore early word learning 73
- Chapter 5. When three equals tree 105
- Chapter 6. Eliciting wh-questions through collaborative syntactic priming activities during peer interaction 131
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Part II. Innovative approaches to L2 priming research
- Chapter 7. The L2 semantic attentional blink 155
- Chapter 8. Task effects in second language sentence processing research 179
- Chapter 9. Semantic integration in listening comprehension in a second language 199
- Chapter 10. Conceptual mediation in second language learners 219
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Expanding the scope of priming research 241
- Index 251
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of contributors vii
- Acknowledgements ix
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. Using priming methods to study L2 learning and teaching 3
-
Part I. Using priming methods in L2 learning research
- Chapter 2. Acquiring second language vocabulary through the use of images and words 21
- Chapter 3. Some costs of fooling Mother Nature 49
- Chapter 4. Using priming to explore early word learning 73
- Chapter 5. When three equals tree 105
- Chapter 6. Eliciting wh-questions through collaborative syntactic priming activities during peer interaction 131
-
Part II. Innovative approaches to L2 priming research
- Chapter 7. The L2 semantic attentional blink 155
- Chapter 8. Task effects in second language sentence processing research 179
- Chapter 9. Semantic integration in listening comprehension in a second language 199
- Chapter 10. Conceptual mediation in second language learners 219
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Expanding the scope of priming research 241
- Index 251