Still ‘native’? Morphological processing in second-language-immersed speakers

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This paper investigates whether sustained immersion in a dominant second-language (L2) environment alters morphological processing strategies compared to those of L1-immersed speakers. Furthermore, we assess the methodological usefulness language-mode task light validity conducting native research on L2-immersed Design/methodology/approach: We use design stimuli previous long-lag visual lexical decision conducted with German speakers Germany this group as control. Thirty-two resident UK (>2 years; minimal day-to-day use) participated two experimental sessions (one containing 20-minute conversation German). Data analysis: The data shows clear differences between facilitation patterns L1 participants. display decreased sensitivity subtle well form condition similar effects seen L2 processing. Lexical decisions pseudowords based plausibility, however, remain similar. While pre-experiment resulted overall faster responses, there was no effect patterns. Findings/conclusions: is affected by continued exposure second language internal structure or morphologically complex items decreasing. attrition certain similarities Our findings also call for caution recruitment experiment Originality: Research scarce work has examined derived words. addition principled manipulation uncommon. Significance/implications: possible similarity L1-attrition L2-learner challenges concept ‘native’ notion ‘nativeness’ stable property. Further comparison these populations may lead more thorough understanding adaptability our system.