Awakening the Proto-Lexicon

A Proto-Lexicon Gives Learning Advantages for Intentionally Learning a Language

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5139964
AutoresWakayo Mattingley (0000-0002-8605-4995, University of Canterbury, autor de correspondencia), Forrest Panther (0000-0002-3884-3201, University of Canterbury), Simon Todd (0000-0003-2665-5737, University of Canterbury), Jeanette King (0000-0001-7734-722X, University of Canterbury), J Hay (0000-0001-8127-0413, University of Canterbury), Peter J Keegan (0000-0002-3663-2814, University of Auckland)
Año2024
Volumen74
Número3
Páginas744-776
Fecha de publicación2024-09-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaLanguage Learning (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0023-8333 • E-ISSN: 1467-9922
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/lang.12635
OpenAlexW4393315571
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas62

Previous studies report that exposure to the Māori language on a regular basis allows New Zealand adults who cannot speak Māori to build a proto-lexicon of Māori-an implicit memory of word forms without detailed knowledge of meaning. How might this knowledge feed into explicit language learning? Is it possible to "awaken" the proto-lexicon in the context of overt language learning? We investigate whether implicit linguistic knowledge represented in a proto-lexicon gives any advantages for intentional language learning in a tertiary educational environment. We conducted a three-task experiment which: (a) assessed participants' Māori proto-lexicon, (b) assessed their phonotactic knowledge, and (c) tested them on Māori vocabulary that they had been exposed to during the course at two time points. The results show that students with larger Māori proto-lexicons learn more words in a classroom setting. This study shows that proto-lexicon acquired from ambient exposure can lead to significant benefits in language learning

Language acquisition · Lexicon · Linguistics · Vocabulary · Word learning · Child and Animal Learning Development · Language Development and Disorders · Philosophy · Psychology · Reading and Literacy Development