Implicit linguistic processing of inflection morphemes

self-paced reading task with Brazilian Portuguese-English learners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-4301.2023.1.44409

Keywords:

Second language Processing, Implicit Knowledge, Flexional Morphology, Self-paced reading

Abstract

This study investigated implicit knowledge of inflectional morphemes by Brazilian English learners as a second language (L2). Specifically, we examined whether they could detect the omission of third-person singular (-s) and simple past (-ed) morphemes; using a self-paced reading task that required automated knowledge of the L2. Additionally, we administered an English proficiency test to classify participants into higher and lower proficiency groups. The results indicate that both higher and lower proficiency participants were not sensitive to the lack of -s and -ed morphemes, as their reaction times were similar in gramatical and ungrammatical sentences involving both morphemes.

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Author Biographies

Bruna Rodrigues Fontoura, UEMG, Passos, MG, Brasil.

PhD in Linguistic Studies from the University Federal Government of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Department Professor of Letters and Linguistics at the University of State of Minas Gerais (UEMG) in Passos, MG, Brazil. Develops research in the area of ​​psycholinguistics bilingualism with an emphasis on processing and acquisition of L2, working memory and memory repositories.

 

Cândido Samuel Fonseca de Oliveira, CEFET-MG, Contagem, MG, Brasil.

PhD in Linguistic Studies from the University Federal Government of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Center Teacher Federal Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG) in Contagem, MG, Brazil. Permanent member of the Postgraduate Program in Studies of Languages ​​at the same institution. Develop research on developmental learnability of L1 and L2, linguistic processing in L1 and L2 and experimental methods in linguistic studies.

Ricardo Augusto de Souza, CEFET-MG, Contagem, MG, Brasil.

PhD in Linguistic Studies from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Professor at the Faculty of Arts at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and at the Postgraduate Program in Linguistic Studies (PosLin/UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

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Published

2023-12-05

How to Cite

Rodrigues Fontoura, B., Fonseca de Oliveira, C. S., & de Souza, R. A. (2023). Implicit linguistic processing of inflection morphemes: self-paced reading task with Brazilian Portuguese-English learners. Letrônica, 16(1), e44409. https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-4301.2023.1.44409

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2023): Single Volume

Section

PSICOLINGUÍSTICA E NEUROLINGUÍSTICA EM INTERFACES

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