ERIC Number: EJ1041621
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Aug
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0090-6905
EISSN: N/A
More than Words: Fast Acquisition and Generalization of Orthographic Regularities during Novel Word Learning in Adults
Laine, Matti; Polonyi, Tünde; Abari, Kálmán
Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, v43 n4 p381-396 Aug 2014
In literates, reading is a fundamental channel for acquiring new vocabulary both in the mother tongue and in foreign languages. By using an artificial language learning task, we examined the acquisition of novel written words and their embedded regularities (an orthographic surface feature and a syllabic feature) in three groups of university students with different exposures (Group 1 saw 2 words once, Group 2 saw 20 words once, Group 3 saw 20 words three times). Recognition memory results for Groups 2 and 3 indicated that adults can learn novel written words even with just a single exposure, albeit repeated exposure improved target detection. A generalization task revealed that even the minimal exposure in Group 1 was enough for acquisition of the two embedded regularities. More exemplars and repeated exposure provided more robust effects for the syllable regularity. Finally, post-test interview showed that repeated exposure was needed to become aware of the regularities. The present results show that adults learn novel written words and their inherent regularities in a fast and effective fashion.
Descriptors: Generalization, Vocabulary Development, Recognition (Psychology), Task Analysis, Interviews, Artificial Languages, College Students, Syllables, Adults, Orthographic Symbols
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A