Conceptual Development in Adult Second Language Learning

Nan Jiang

When adults learn a new language, they may associate new words with pre-existing concepts or meanings, they may develop new concepts, or they may do both. Second language (L2) researchers disagree about how successful adult L2 learners are in developing a new conceptual system while learning a new language. Research evidence is scarce. This study explores the interaction of conceptual transfer and conceptual development in adult second language acquisition from a psycholinguistic perspective. A series of studies will be carried out that examine conceptual representation and development of adult L2 learners through the observation of their lexical performance in controlled lab settings. Two unique features distinguish this project from all other studies on the topic, i.e., the use of psycholinguistic experimental methods and the involvement of L2 learners at different proficiency levels, including near-native L2 speakers. The findings will illuminate the psychological processes involved in conceptual development and transfer in adult L2 acquisition. They will also provide important insights for the study of cross-cultural communication, the relationship between language and thought, and the development of effective L2 teaching approaches.

About Nan Jiang

Nan Jiang received his B.A. in English (Nanjing Normal University), M.A. in English Teaching Methodology (East China Normal University), and Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (University of Arizona). He taught English as a foreign language for several years in China before he moved to the USA. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics at Georgia State University. His research interests include adult second language acquisition, bilingual language processing, language and culture. He has published in Applied Linguistics, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, Journal of Memory and Language.