Journal of Psycholinguistic Research最新文献

The study explored the role of verbal fluency in determining reading and comprehension skills in Bengali among 10-year old typically developing Bengali children. Robust correlations were found between semantic fluency and word reading (0.63) as well as semantic fluency and comprehension (0.70). Good correlation was found between letter fluency and comprehension (0.49), and, word reading and comprehension (0.62). The findings suggest that good word storing capacity and executive functions led to enhanced automaticity of retrieval and verbal fluency, which together with improved orthographic and phonological processing led to good word reading scores, contributing to lesser cognitive load thereby easing out the complex text comprehension task. Transcending narrow empirical base of reading theories derived from Western writing typologies delimited to orthographic depth and psycholinguistic grain size, the study contends that verbal fluency is another interesting variable determining the reading and comprehension skills in Bengali along with visuo-spatial complexity and complex phonology-orthography inconsistencies.

Although extensive research has focused on the perceptual abilities of second language (L2) learners, a significant gap persists in understanding how cognitive functions like phonological short-term memory (PSTM) and nonverbal intelligence (IQ) impact L2 speech perception. This study sets out to investigate the discrimination of L2 English monophthongal vowel contrasts and to assess the effect of PSTM and nonverbal IQ on L2 speech perception. The participants consisted of adult monolingually-raised Greek speakers, who completed an AX discrimination test, a digit span test, and a nonverbal intelligence test. A control group of English speakers also completed the AX test. Data were analyzed using Bayesian regression models. The results revealed that Greek speakers exhibited below chance discrimination for the majority of L2 vowel contrasts, consistently underperforming in comparison to the control group. Intriguingly, the study did not provide substantial evidence in favor of more accurate discrimination of L2 contrasts by Greek participants with high PSTM compared to those with low PSTM. However, the study yielded compelling evidence indicating that Greek participants with higher IQ demonstrated superior accuracy in discriminating most L2 contrasts compared to their lower IQ counterparts. The limited influence of PSTM on speech perception suggests the need for further exploration, considering the potential impact of test methodologies and the intricate interplay of other confounding factors. Furthermore, the study uncovers a noteworthy relationship between nonverbal IQ and L2 speech perception, likely linked with the association of high IQ with enhanced attentional capacities, information processing abilities, and learning skills—all of which are pivotal for accurate speech perception.

The present study examined the cross-modal cueing effect of musical rhythmic beats on non-native speech rhythm production. Two groups of Chinese learners of French were cued respectively with rhythmic beats that either matched (matching group) or mismatched (mismatching group) the rhythm patterns of the target French sentences. The participants were asked to produce the target sentences after cueing and their speech production was compared with their baseline condition in which no cueing was used. The results showed that the matching group produced the target French rhythm significantly better after cueing with musical rhythmic beats that matched the French rhythm, in contrast to the mismatching group where no significant improvement was found. Individual differences in auditory short-term memory and rhythmic skills were not related to improvement in producing French rhythm after cueing. The results suggest that musical rhythmic cueing can be used to improve non-native speech rhythm production, further indicating a close link between speech and music in the temporal domain.

Chinese address terms exhibits a high degree of variability. Guided by the extended context of situation framework within the field of systemic functional linguistics, and taking the dialogues of the modern Chinese TV drama In the Name of People as examples, this study investigated how the bystander influences the choice of address terms. It is found that the appearance of the bystander influences the choice of address terms. Yet, it is not a direct process but is mediated by conversational atmosphere. Specifically, the presence of a bystander triggers "situational synergy" or changes interpersonal relationship, and then change the conversational atmosphere, both paths ultimately impact the choice of address terms. The underlying forces that lead to the variability of Chinese address terms are guān běn wèi and miàn zǐ. This study suggests the intricate impact of context on language choice, as well as the interdependency of context variables. In addition, by taking the concept of face beyond its European/North American milieu, and relocating it following the Chinese point of view, group orientation is valued, which contributes to face study.

This study mainly examined the role of the combination of three senses (i.e., auditory, visual, and tactile) and five senses (i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory) in the correlation between electrophysiological and electrodermal responses underlying second language (L2) sentence comprehension. Forty subjects did two acceptability judgment tasks, encompassing congruent and semantically/pragmatically incongruent sentences. The event-related potential (ERP) and galvanic skin response (GSR) data for both the target and final words of the sentences were collected and analyzed. The results revealed that there is an interaction between cognitive and emotional responses in both semantically and pragmatically incongruent sentences, yet the timing of the interaction is longer in sentences with pragmatic incongruity due to their complexity. Based on the ERP and GSR correlation results, it was further found that the five-sense combination approach improves L2 sentence comprehension and interest in learning materials yet reduces the level of excitement or arousal. While this approach might be beneficial for some learners, it might be detrimental for those in favor of stimulating learning environments.

Linguistic modality is one of the most complex categories, that is why its nature, meanings and ways of expression often become the object of various, at times, controversial theories. The present article described the concept of modality in the context of linguistic research. The purpose of this study was to identify the means of expressing author's modality in Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Russian, determine their relations in intra- and inter-system contexts, and specify the significance of modality for typological studies of these languages. The comparative typological method was mainly used, along with observation, description, transformational analysis, and synthesis of theoretical and practical materials. The results revealed similar and distinctive elements in constructing modal relations in Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Russian. The study suggested various forms of expressing author's modality in a literary text, including explicit means such as modal words, particles, moods and interjections, and implicit means like images, themes, ideas, concepts, symbols, and punctuation. In conclusion, the identification of multi-level means of expressing author's modality in these languages contributed to deepening knowledge on the linguistic category of modality, comparative language study, and translation theory.

The study's relevance lies in the distinction between the cognitive processes of human readers and search robots, particularly the contextual understanding and relevance determination capabilities of modern search engines. This study aims to address contemporary challenges related to online textual content, specifically focusing on texts found on corporate websites and corporate blogs. The study employs a comprehensive approach to analyze the creation of texts, considering both copywriting and rewriting techniques. The analysis includes an examination of textual activity on corporate websites and blogs. The research methodology involves investigating linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects, as well as the principles underlying search engines and their role in organic website promotion. The study also delves into the nature of multimedia articles as a distinct format of online content. The major finding of this research lies in the proposed method for assessing the cognitive effectiveness of copywriting and rewriting. The study sheds light on the intricate interplay between multimedia articles and their textual components, showcasing their potential for impactful audience engagement. The analysis of internet copywriting and rewriting in the realm of marketing discourse reveals their significance for search engine tasks and user engagement. In conclusion, this research underscores the practical importance of understanding the cognitive effectiveness of texts generated through copywriting and rewriting. The findings emphasize the role of multimedia articles and their textual elements in influencing audience engagement online. The study highlights the crucial connection between internet copywriting, rewriting, and successful marketing discourse, optimizing content for search engines and enhancing user experience.

The relevance of the research lies in the fact that in the modern Kazakh and English languages there are a huge number of expressive techniques of phraseological expressions, which are actively used in one way or another. The aim of the study is to conduct a cognitive linguistic analysis of the features of phraseological expressions based on hyperbole in the Kazakh and English languages. The study employs an integrated methodology encompassing cognitive, descriptive, and linguistic approaches to analyze hyperbole-based phraseological units in Kazakh and English, aiming to uncover their figurative basis, structural characteristics, and cognitive underpinnings. The study explores hyperbole-based phraseological units, particularly in Kazakh and English, categorizing them based on figurative aspects and formal structure. It reveals that seemingly similar phrases often have unique conceptual differences, emphasizing the role of culture and context in interpretation. This interdisciplinary research underscores the complexities of understanding these linguistic expressions. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of cognitive linguistic analysis in understanding hyperbole-based phraseological units, revealing idiosyncratic conceptual differences across languages and emphasizing the importance of refining methodological approaches in this field of research.

The discussion about linguistic universals, initiated over 50 years ago by J. Greenberg, remains a topic of significant interest today. While there’s an ongoing debate on the universality of linguistic forms - with some supporting the notion and others dismissing it as baseless—the idea of a unifying linguistic essence stands firm. The article aims to explore the linguacultural values of language, particularly how they enable the reconstruction of ideas and stereotypes within specific segments of a language system. The research found that universal language characteristics serve as a rich source of information for those studying linguacultural aspects. These traits offer nationally determined interpretations of words, drawing from associations rooted in either tangible or cultural codes. When delving into cultural codes present within every culture, the study discerned the presence of basic and universal codes. The existence of these codes provides insights into the formation of stereotypes, which encapsulate the experiences and knowledge intrinsic to the bearers of a culture. Linguistic universals, underpinned by universal grammar and semantic foundations, occupy a central position in linguacultural examinations, especially when reconstructing cultural ideas and stereotypes. Basic and universal cultural codes inherent in each culture facilitate the creation of linguistic worldviews.

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the need for competitive, non-standard-thinking specialists who can shift from conventional thinking patterns, and quickly solve problems and situations, i.e., show creativity in certain conditions, as a quality inherent in every person who strives for comprehensive development. The purpose of the study is to determine the psychological features of the integral and creative style of thinking of students in the conditions of linguistic multiculturalism in the educational process and to identify factors and conditions that contribute to the most effective development of creativity. For theoretical investigation of the material, such methods as research and analysis of scientific literature and systematisation were used. As part of a practical investigation of the psychological characteristics of the creative personality of students, psychological and diagnostic techniques were selected and used. The result of this article is the identification of the psychological characteristics of the integral and creative style of thinking of students within a linguistic multicultural educational context. The research establishes the connection between creativity, as an integral quality, and intelligence, emphasizing the potential development of originality, independent thought, and idea generation. The study underscores the importance of fostering creative thinking within a multicultural linguistic framework and highlights the pivotal role of higher education and multicultural environments in nurturing essential professional qualities for future specialists. The practical importance of the study lies in the fact that its materials are of theoretical value for teachers of higher education, in particular, supervisors of student groups, and for students of various pedagogical and psychological specialities.