Phonological Representations in the Mental Lexicon of Second Language Learners: A Synthesis

Abstract

[eng] Being able to perceive the difference between two sounds can be difficult for L2 learners. This synthesis aims at analyzing the processes that occur during the encoding of phonological representations into the mental lexicon of an L2 learner. Recently, the topic of how L2 phono-lexical representation are updated has gained more attention; therefore, it is timely to revisit previous findings and evaluate opportunities for further research. Through an analysis of findings across 13 primary studies, this synthesis presents some preliminary answers on two core topics 1) the source of asymmetries in learners lexical decision patterns, as well as 2) the question of whether and how initially inaccurate phono-lexical representations can be updated. Numerous reports confirm asymmetries in lexical access of L2 learners. We argue that inaccurate perception alone cannot explain the reported asymmetries, while they may indicate non-target-like encoding of difficult contrasts in the lexical representations. Based on recent evidence (Darcy & Thomas, 2019; Llompart, 2021), we suggest that old and new phono-lexical representations seem to co-exist, while new representations are more target-like. Finally, drawing on the findings from this synthesis, we will propose some pedagogical implications.