A normative database of Swahili-Chinese paired associates.

Abstract

Over the past few decades, Swahili-English and Lithuanian-English word pair databases have been extensively utilized in research on learning and memory. However, these normative databases are specifically designed for generating study stimuli in learning and memory research involving native (or fluent) English speakers. Consequently, they are not suitable for investigations that encompass populations whose first language is not English, such as Chinese individuals. Notably, native Chinese speakers constitute a substantial proportion, approximately 18%, of the global population. The current study aims to establish a new database of translation equivalences, specifically tailored to facilitate research on learning, memory, and metacognition among the Chinese population. We present a comprehensive set of normative measures for 200 Swahili-Chinese paired associates, including recall accuracy, recall latency, error patterns, confidence ratings, perceived learning difficulty, judgments of learning, and perceived learning interestingness for the entire word pairs. Additionally, we include word-likeness ratings and word length for the Swahili words, and concreteness ratings, familiarity ratings, word frequency, and number of strokes for the Chinese words. This diverse array of measures, gathered across a substantial number of Swahili-Chinese word pairs, is poised to effectively support future research seeking to investigate the intricate processes of learning, memory and metacognition within the Chinese population.