Optimizing Second Language Learning: An Examination of Individual Differences in Speech Processing and their Role in Language Learning

Descripción del proyecto

Estudiar el éxito en la adquisición de una segunda lengua

En el mundo diverso e interconectado de hoy día, el multilingüismo es cada vez más común. Sin embargo, persiste un reto importante en la comunicación eficaz entre hablantes de segundas o terceras lenguas y hablantes nativos, debido a las notables diferencias en el dominio del idioma. Las investigaciones previas se han centrado sobre todo en las estrategias de aprendizaje y los rasgos de personalidad, pero ahora los investigadores estudian las diferencias individuales en el procesamiento fonológico y su repercusión en la adquisición de una segunda lengua. El proyecto OptiSeLL, que cuenta con el apoyo de las acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, tiene por objeto dilucidar los factores principales que facilitan el aprendizaje de lenguas y diseñar entornos educativos que favorezcan una comunicación flexible. Su equipo estudiará la variabilidad individual existente a fin de identificar los factores principales que facilitan el aprendizaje de una segunda lengua.

Objetivo

Even though multilingualism is highly prevalent in Europe, those who speak a second or third language often differ substantially from native speakers in ways that hinder efficient communication. Despite it being acknowledged that individual differences play a critical role in learning a foreign language, the majority of research has focused on a narrow subset of factors such as learning strategies and personality traits. OptiSeLL aims to expand this exploration by looking at individual differences in phonological processing and the role they play in second language acquisition.
OptiSeLL is based on recent findings from basic research in psycholinguistics showing that listeners differ substantially in how they process the speech signal. Our aim is to expand these novel findings and assess the degree to which they can be applied to second language learning. OptiSeLL specific objectives are to:
1. Examine whether individual differences in speech processing affect the acquisition of new phonological contrasts.
2. Examine whether such differences can also affect novel word learning.
3. Assess the degree to which exposure to different phonetic systems may lead to a more flexible speech processing.
In other words, this project will take advantage of the existing individual variability to identify the key factors that facilitate second language learning, possibly through the development of flexible speech perception systems. Once known, we can then explore how we can manipulate these factors to design educational environments that support flexible communication and efficient language learning. In addition, the findings of this project will be of high theoretical significance to the field as they will considerably advance our understanding of basic speech perception mechanisms.