Online processing of passive sentences in a second language: The case with non-native speakers of Dutch.
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2022-08-24
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en
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Several studies have proved that passive sentences are more misunderstood than actives. A surprising result is that they are often read faster. The reading time facilitation has been explained according to a framework of expectations and predictions (Paolazzi et al., 2019). However, the results are not consistent across languages. In this study, we asked whether the same reading time facilitation can be detected in a population (i.e., German native speakers of Dutch as a second language) for which the L2 hinders predictions whereas the L1 facilitates anticipating upcoming information. Additionally, the study aimed to underline differences and similarities between native and non-native processing when confronted with the same experimental material. Lastly, the role of verbal working memory during L2 processing of passive sentences has been investigated. Our results proved that non-native speakers of Dutch do not accelerate while reading passive sentences, which may indicate that non-native speakers have a reduced ability to formulate predictions. Moreover, they are not less accurate in understanding passive sentences compared to active sentences, showing a different pattern from native speakers of Dutch. Lastly, verbal working memory did not interact with condition (long and short passives) in affecting reading times. Overall, this study has attempted to shed light on the role of predictions and verbal working memory during L2 processing of noncanonical sentences and to add a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the mechanisms that guide native and non-native processing.
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