L1 and L2 semantic priming effects on L2 picture naming and expressive vocabulary in children

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of L1 (Spanish) and L2 (English) categorical semantic primes on L2 picture naming and examine their relationship with bilingual expressive vocabulary in bilingual school-aged children in the upper elementary grades. We compared primed L2 picture naming speed under four experimental conditions: Categorical Semantic Spanish (CSS), Categorical Semantic English (CSE), Unrelated Spanish (URS) and Unrelated English (URE), and a no prime (NP) control condition. In addition, we conducted correlational analysis to compare L1 and L2 priming as a function of bilingual expressive vocabulary. All experimental primes interfered with L2 picture naming, but L2-L2 semantic priming exhibited a unique pattern of significantly lesser interference. There was a moderate to low positive relationship between bilingual expressive vocabulary and L1-L2 picture naming speed. These findings point towards specific roles for L1 and L2 in language processing for bilingual children with possible implications for tailoring bilingual instruction. While developing L2-L2 semantic connections may distinctly impact picture naming speed in L2, fostering implicit connectivity between L1 and L2 may be relevant to enhance bilingual expressive vocabulary.