The Black Scholar Series – Dr. Duane Watson (Main Lecture)
Understanding the Link Between Language Experience and Language Processing
March 6, 2023
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM America/Chicago
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Download iCal FileA speaker’s language environment plays an important role in language use. The language environment is critical for language learning and vocabulary growth in children, and in predicting the difficulty of processing words and sentences in adults. In this talk I will present a set of studies that will show that the relationship between language exposure and language use is complex. I will present experimental evidence suggesting that daily internet reading habits are linked to individual language processing styles. On the other hand, I will also present evidence showing that multiple exposures to certain types of sentences do not necessarily make these sentences easier to understand for listeners. Finally, I will discuss some of the ways in which the spoken language environment can play a role in language use, and will present a pilot study showing that social factors, such as a shared opinion with a conversational partner, can influence subtle linguistic factors such as speech rhythm.
Date posted
Dec 7, 2022
Date updated
Dec 7, 2022
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