Bilateral (Hong Kong): Implicit language learning: A cross-linguistic investigation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: English and Applied Linguistics
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| John Williams (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Janny Leung (Author)
(2013)
Prior Linguistic Knowledge Influences Implicit Language Learning
John Williams (Author)
(2010)
Using eye movement tracking to study implicit learning of form-meaning connections in natural language
Leung J
(2014)
CROSSLINGUISTIC DIFFERENCES IN IMPLICIT LANGUAGE LEARNING
in Studies in Second Language Acquisition
| Description | We have developed a simple methodology for exploring implicit learning of a linguistic rule using a continuous reaction time task. We have used this to expose how the nature of the first language influences the unconscious learning of structures in a novel language. Implicit learning of the same regularity may or may not occur depending on prior knowledge. This shows that implicit learning is constrained by linguistic knowledge, and not just a simple associative, or statistical learning mechanism. |
| Exploitation Route | Williams & Leung have subsequently used the same method to explore further constraints, and Williams and others have begun to model the results using computational models. Independent researchers in the USA (Laura Batterink & Helen Neville (University of Oregon) have adapted the experimental procedure and items for use with EEG recording to explore the neural basis of the effects that we obtained. Williams is planning to do similar work using MEG, still using the same basic experimental technique. |
| Sectors | Education,Other |
| Description | The findings from this research have been taken up by other, independent research groups, leading to related publications: Gai, S. (2013). Implicit Learning by Chinese Adult EFL Learners: Extending Leung & Williams (2012). Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 2. Batterink, L. & Neville, H. (submitted) Sleep-Associated Influences on the Acquisition of a Novel Linguistic Rule . |
| First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
| Sector | Education |
| Impact Types | Cultural |
| Title | Materials and methods deposited on IRIS database |
| Description | A reaction time method for studying implicit language learning |
| Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The materials and related scripts for running the experiments have been deposited on the IRIS data base - a digital repository of data collection instruments for research into second language learning and teaching (ESRC funded) |
| URL | http://www.iris-database.org/iris/app/home/index;jsessionid=24674325629D1D2C956D6934B31BDFDD |
| Description | Batterink & Neville collaboration |
| Organisation | University of Oregon |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our items, design, and procedure. Batterink & Neville then adapted them for use with EEG recording. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Development of further materials, modification to the design, collecting and analysing EEG data, writing an article. |
| Impact | Batterink, H. & Neville, H. (submitted). Sleep-Associated Influences on the Acquisition of a Novel Linguistic Rule. Multidisciplinary: psycholinguistics (Williams), Neuroscience (Batterink & Neville). Williams does not appear as an author because I simply provided them with my materials and design. But we did discuss design issues as the project developed. In the end they shifted the focus to the effect of sleep, and I was not involved in this. So I decided not to insist on co-authorship in the end, even though it was offered. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | EEG experiments at United Arab Emirates University |
| Organisation | United Arab Emirates University |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Brain responses to implicitly learned linguistic regularities |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Implicit adult language learning : prospects and limitations |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A talk in which I described the results of the experiments carried out during the ESRC project. None that I am aware of. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Implicit language learning : form-meaning connections |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lecture in which I describe the paradigm developed during the ESRC project, the results obtained, and the rationale for performing EEG experiments using this method. No impacts that I am aware of. It was an academic talk designed to introduce people to this area of research and inspire them to perform similar work themselves. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |