Differences Between First Language and Second Language Acquisition: Psycholinguistics and Cognitive Science Perspectives – Interview with Elizaveta Savina (Heidelberg University)

Elizaveta Savina (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS)

- What are the fundamental differences between first and second language acquisition? - How do implicit and explicit learning processes shape language learning outcomes? - What role does structural priming play in second language acquisition?

In this episode, Elizaveta Savina, PhD Student from the Heidelberg University Language and Cognition Lab (HULC) at the Institute of German as a Foreign Philology, introduces us to the complex and fascinating dynamics of first and second language acquisition from the perspectives of psycholinguistics and cognitive science.

Drawing on her research, Elizaveta Savina explores how cognitive mechanisms operate behind the scenes during language acquisition, emphasizing the roles of implicit and explicit learning processes. Within this framework, she highlights the concept of structural priming as a key mechanism that enables learners to internalize grammatical structures through repeated exposure, thereby facilitating fluency and comprehension. The conversation further sheds light on empirical methods such as eye-tracking in the visual world paradigm, offering insights into how researchers investigate real-time language processing and learning.

Join us as we explore the cognitive foundations of language learning, the challenges and opportunities of acquiring a second language, and what these insights reveal about human cognition and communication more broadly!

For Elizaveta Savina’s current study: Flyer: https://heibox.uni-heidelberg.de/f/f4b6ed8cb083462986a5/ Appointment Calendar: https://koalendar.com/e/studie-eye-tracking-idf

Heidelberg University Language and Cognition Lab (HULC): https://www.hulclab.eu/research/

Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Elizaveta Savina and Her Academic Background (03:01) Motivation Behind the Research Topic

Theoretical Implications (05:41) Differences Between First and Second Language Acquisition (08:40) Implicit vs. Explicit Learning (11:28) Implicit Learning in Cognitive Science (12:41) Acquisition vs. Learning (15:19) Structural Priming Explained (18:19) Structural Priming and Predictive Coding Theory (24:54) Learning during Sleep?

Methodological Insights in Psycholinguistic Research (27:42) Research Hypotheses (29:21) Sciences of Cognition and Language (32:50) Eye-Tracking and the Visual World Paradigm (35:42) Requirements of Psycholinguistic Research (37:51) Interdisciplinary Perspectives of Cognitive Science at Heidelberg University (40:03) Practical Implications for Researching German Learners (44:16) Challenges of Learning German Grammar (47:08) Structural Priming State of Art and Novelty

Personal Perspectives (49:41) Personal Reflections on Language Learning (51:12) Advantages of Early and Late Language Learning (55:26) Further Language Learning Plans

(58:15) Outro

Keywords Language Learning, Language Acquisition, Psycholinguistics, Cognitive Science, Second Language Acquisition, First Language Acquisition, Language Journey, Structural Priming, Implicit Learning, Explicit Learning, Eye Tracking, Linguistics, HULC, Interdisciplinary Research, Interdisciplinary Scholarship, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Scholarly Conversations, Interdisciplinary Discussions, Interviews with Scholars, University Discourse, Us and Them, Academic Podcast, Scientific Podcast, Research Podcast, University Podcast, Heidelberg University