Individual- and stimulus-level differences in bilingual lexical processing (2020-2022)
Adel Chaouch-Orozco
Language Learning Dissertation Grant
This project investigates the role of subjective frequency on bilingual lexical processing. That is, the project examines how frequently each individual encounters a particular word (independently from language membership), might be a highly deterministic factor on lexical processing. Regardless of the theoretical framework adopted, words with higher (subjective) frequency might be more integrated and available in the lexicon. In other words, its processing (at different levels) might be faster.
Nevertheless, the operationalisation of the construct represents a challenge. Different well-known predictors of lexical processing might ultimately be understood as proxies of subjective frequency. Some of them are individual-level variables, such as exposure to and active use of the L1/L2 or L2 proficiency; others, like L2 frequency, are stimulus-level variables. This project attempts at integrating the study of these variables, employing the priming methodology, to shed light on how subjective frequency can be operationalised and how it affects bilingual lexical processing.
Related Publications
Chaouch-Orozco, A., González Alonso, J., Duñabeitia, J. and Rothman, J. (2022). The elusive impact of L2 immersion on translation priming. Studies in Second Language Acquisition. FirstView.
Chaouch-Orozco, A., González Alonso, J. and Rothman, J. (2021). Individual differences in bilingual word recognition: The role of experiential factors and word frequency in cross-language lexical priming. Applied Psycholinguistics, 42, 447-474.
