Connecting the Dots Between Context and Equivalence in L2 Idiom Processing

Abstract

In this study, second-language idiom processing is explored, with a specific focus on the concepts of equivalence and context. The research question of this study asked how idiom equivalence and either a literal or figurative context affect idiom processing in Dutch (L1) speakers of English (L2). The hypotheses predicted significant effects for both of these factors; a higher degree of equivalence was expected to result in lower RTs, and a literal context was expected to yield higher RTs than an idiomatic reading. Previously-collected data from a self-paced reading experiment were used to test these hypotheses. A group of intermediate to highly proficient Dutch speakers of English were presented with either a literal or figurative context of English idioms that either did or did not have a Dutch equivalent. The results showed a processing advantage for idiomatic readings, yielding faster RTs than expected. It was also found that equivalence did not have a significant effect in this experiment. This contradiction could be explained by the proficiency level of participants or by differences in the type of task or the materials used in this study, as opposed to other studies that did find a significant effect of equivalence.