The Role of Awareness and Cognitive Aptitudes in L2 Predictive Language Processing

Abstract

This study investigated whether second language (L2) learners can develop predictive processing of determiners after a brief exposure to a novel language, and whether this depends on learners’ awareness for the target structure and their cognitive aptitudes. One hundred L2 learners received auditory exposure to a miniature language based on Fijian that included a determiner–noun agreement pattern. Learners’ processing of determiners was measured using a picture‐matching task with eye tracking. We found that learners learned to anticipate the coming noun based on the determiner; they also gained a speed advantage. Learners’ awareness played a crucial role in such anticipatory processing; only learners who were aware that determiners helped them during the test (i.e., prediction‐aware learners) showed signs of anticipatory processing. The aptitude variables did not modulate learners’ processing abilities, but there were links between aptitude and learners’ abilities to develop different levels of awareness.

Individual Differences in First and Second Language Ultimate Attainment and Their Causes

“…As noted above, aptitude features in the studies by Curcic et al. (), Granena and Yilmaz (), Dąbrowska (), and Doughty (). The first two studies zoom in on very specific language learning processes and conduct very brief, tightly controlled intervention studies to isolate these processes and link them to cognitive abilities.…”

“…The studies by Curcic, Andringa, and Kuiken (); Dąbrowska (); Doughty (); and Granena and Yilmaz () all deal with the role of aptitude in L2 acquisition. There is every reason for doing so, as a recent meta‐analysis found aptitude to be associated with overall L2 learning success (Li, ).…”

“…While Doughty tries to link components of aptitude with overall attainment, the studies by Curcic et al. () and Granena and Yilmaz () present attempts to link particular components of aptitude to the acquisition of grammar‐based predictive processing and to processing explicit and implicit corrective feedback, respectively. Curcic et al.…”

“…The analyses also showed that aptitude is a very strong predictor of proficiency in comparison to other factors such as learners' language learning histories and demographic characteristics, although it is important to note that the group under study was fairly homogenous. While Doughty tries to link components of aptitude with overall attainment, the studies by Curcic et al (2019) and Granena and Yilmaz (2019) present attempts to link particular components of aptitude to the acquisition of grammar-based predictive processing and to processing explicit and implicit corrective feedback, respectively. Curcic et al do not find direct links between aptitude and predictive processing; however, they do find that prediction is a function of self-developed awareness for the target structure in the input, and self-developed awareness in turn is associated with learners' analytical abilities and rote memory.…”

“…Even though the time frames covered by the studies in this issue vary enormously, from about 40 minutes of instruction (Curcic et al) to 6 years (Pfenninger & Singleton), the same predictors are often used. As noted above, aptitude features in the studies by Curcic et al (2019), Granena and Yilmaz (2019), Dąbrowska (2019), andDoughty (2019). The first two studies zoom in on very specific language learning processes and conduct very brief, tightly controlled intervention studies to isolate these processes and link them to cognitive abilities.…”