Cognate Frequency Predicts Accuracy in Tests of Lexical Knowledge

Autor/in	Allen, David
Titel	Cognate Frequency Predicts Accuracy in Tests of Lexical Knowledge
Quelle	In: Language Assessment Quarterly, 16 (2019) 3, S.312-327 (16 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Allen, David)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1543-4303
DOI	10.1080/15434303.2019.1635134
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Language Tests; Vocabulary Skills; Second Language Learning; English (Second Language); Psycholinguistics; Vocabulary Development; Word Frequency; Predictor Variables; Accuracy; Lexicology; Monolingualism; Bilingualism; Undergraduate Students; Females; Test Items; Item Analysis; Japan (Tokyo) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Language test; Sprachtest; Aktiver Wortschatz; Zweitsprachenerwerb; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Psycholinguistik; Wortschatzarbeit; Word analysis; Frequency; Wortanalyse; Häufigkeit; Prädiktor; Lexikologie; Bilingualismus; Weibliches Geschlecht; Test content; Testaufgabe; Itemanalyse
Abstract	Cross-linguistic lexical similarity in the form of cognates and loanwords has been shown to positively impact second language learning and use, as well as performance on tests of lexical knowledge, even when the learners' languages differ in script. The present study utilizes Japanese cognate frequency, as an indication of cognate knowledge, to predict accuracy on the "English Vocabulary Size Test." Japanese participants (n = 113) completed either the monolingual or bilingual version of the English test. Generalized linear mixed models revealed a significant effect of cognate frequency on accuracy in both tests. In the bilingual version, this cognate effect was shown to be slightly greater for lower level participants. These findings contribute further evidence that cognates in different-script languages may significantly impact accuracy in language tests. Moreover, a comparison of the proportion of cognates in the test with the proportion in the languages in general revealed that the "Vocabulary Size Test" may over-estimate Japanese learners' knowledge of English vocabulary. The primary implication of the findings is that the proportion of cognates must be controlled in tests of lexical knowledge that are aimed at specific populations and that cognate frequency is useful to determine the likely extent of the cognate effect. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01