First language versus second language effect on memory for motion events: The role of language type and proficiency

Aims and objectives/purpose/research question: This research probes for language effects on witness memory in bilingual speakers whose languages are typologically distinct, English Spanish. The key question is whether speakers’ agentive motion events influenced by first (L1) or second (L2) patterns, both, when the L2 used descriptions. Design/methodology/approach: Four groups were tested an event verbalisation recognition task: monolinguals, Spanish Late L1 English/L2 bilinguals late Spanish/L2 bilinguals. video stimuli depicted complex (three manners of per event) because rather than simple have been shown to elicit effects. Data analysis: data analyses include (a) number mentions type detail included manner (the typological difference) (b) error rates task. Recognition errors occurred pairs target videos deemed same while fact they not. Findings/conclusions: Speaking a that makes it difficult verbalise component (manner motion) can negative effect specific speakers, at time benefiting some other features. Originality: work shows, time, offers hitherto elusive explanation theoretical justification reasons why we do, do not, get beneficial Significance/implications: findings contribute understanding (adult L2) acquisition cognition. They support predictions Complex Adaptive System Principles (CASP) Bilingualism model, advocating fine-grained approaches lexicalisation cognitive domains explicit teaching differences affect information content.