Resumen de Predicting second language listening functor comprehension probability with usage-based and embodiment approaches

Allie Patterson

• Aims and Objectives:

  Embodiment is a major paradigm of first language (L1) research but has not yet been widely adopted in second language (L2) research. The main objective of this research was to find evidence for the effects of sensorimotor embodiment on L2 listening functor comprehension rates.

  Research Hypothesis:

  Frequency, word length, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor norms are significantly predictive of functor comprehension probability in an L2 listening task.

  Methodology:

  129 Japanese participants were administered a paused transcription test that contained twelve target phrases.

  Data and analysis:

  Transcription of functors was the dependent variable. The independent variables were frequency, word length, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor ratings. These variables were analyzed with logit mixed-effects regressions.

  Findings/conclusions:

  Greater frequency, longer word length, and higher Minkowski3 ratings were found to facilitate comprehension and significantly increase the probability that a functor was transcribed. Frequency rates derived from spontaneous L1 oration and conversations were found to be significant, whereas frequency derived from written texts was not significant despite being from a much larger corpus.

  Originality:

  No L2 study has used Minkowski3 sensorimotor ratings to predict L2 performance. Minkowski3 ratings quantify the relationship between language and the body. Few researchers have yet to incorporate embodiment theories into models of L2 comprehension.

  Implications:

  Embodiment theories complement usage-based approaches and should be incorporated into existing L2 theories. Researchers should be aware of textual differences between corpora and choose corpora appropriate for their analyses.