Academic Journal
Effects of Lexical Frequency in Predictive Processing: Higher Frequency Boosts First Language Speed and Facilitates Second Language Prediction
| Title: | Effects of Lexical Frequency in Predictive Processing: Higher Frequency Boosts First Language Speed and Facilitates Second Language Prediction |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Haerim Hwang (ORCID |
| Source: | Language Learning. 2026 76(1):249-279. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Language Processing, Second Language Learning, Prediction, Verbs, Nouns, Cues, Semantics, Word Frequency, Lexicology, Psycholinguistics |
| DOI: | 10.1111/lang.12718 |
| ISSN: | 0023-8333 1467-9922 |
| Abstract: | This study explores how word frequency affects verb-mediated prediction in L1 and L2 speakers, using a visual-world eye-tracking task. By manipulating frequency of nouns within subjects (higher; lower) and type of verbs used as predictive cues (semantically restrictive; neutral) in sentences (e.g., "The {doctor/surgeon} {opened/moved} the box"), we investigated the impact of frequency of early-processed words on prediction, hypothesizing that higher-frequency words might free up cognitive resources, thus facilitating lexical retrieval, integration with a subsequent predictive cue, and ultimately prediction. Results showed that both L1 and L2 speakers predicted the target object upon hearing restrictive verbs. However, the L2 group showed such a predictive behavior only when the sentences contained higher-frequency subjects, whereas the L1 group did so in both conditions but faster with higher-frequency subjects. These results suggest L2 learners' sound ability to generate predictions, and underscore the importance of word frequency in facilitating both L1 and L2 prediction. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/tq74k |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496544 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| ISSN: | 0023-8333 1467-9922 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1111/lang.12718 |