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Context matters, figuratively, for L2 readers: Evidence from self-paced reading
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- Author(s) / Creator(s)
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In a self-paced reading study, we investigated the extent to which non-native speakers use biasing context in idiom processing, and whether idiom literality limits these effects as it does in native speakers. Idioms with a high potential for literal interpretations (e.g., break the ice) and a low potential for literal interpretations (e.g., lose one’s cool) were embedded into sentences biasing literal or figurative readings and followed by resolutions that were either congruent or incongruent with these expectations. Context significantly impacted figurative interpretations, but not literal ones. While the reading time patterns replicate those of native speakers, literality did not significantly interact with contextual effects as in L1 readers, particularly in how it impacts literal readings. The results highlight differences between L1 and L2 competencies.
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- Date created
- 2019-03-26
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- Type of Item
- Article (Published)