Title: Uncovering L2 learning through cognitive mechanisms
Abstract: My research investigates how L2 speakers learn how to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable forms in L2 using cognitive mechanisms. I found that learning what not to say is particularly difficult for L2 learners of English and Spanish. However, I also found that repeated exposures without any feedback led learners to identify unconventional sentences as unacceptable, demonstrating that my experimental manipulation, based on a mechanistic understanding of memory representations, led to better language performance in a classroom setting. Additionally, I will present my work investigating how our semantic knowledge shapes the organization of multi-utterance production in L1 English speakers and my plans to extend this work to L2 learners. I bring together theories and blend methodologies from linguistics, psychology, and cognitive science to uncover what makes L2 learning difficult and what can aid or hinder language learning.
