Effects of Lexical Frequency in Predictive Processing: Higher Frequency Boosts First Language Speed and Facilitates Second Language Prediction

Abstract This study explores how word frequency affects verb‐mediated prediction in L1 and L2 speakers, using a visual‐world eye‐tracking task. By manipulating frequency of nouns within subjects (higher; lower) and type of verbs used as predictive cues (semantically restrictive; neutral) in sentences (e.g., The {doctor/surgeon} {opened/moved} the box ), we investigated the impact of frequency of early‐processed words on prediction, hypothesizing that higher‐frequency words might free up cognitive resources, thus facilitating lexical retrieval, integration with a subsequent predictive cue, and ultimately prediction. Results showed that both L1 and L2 speakers predicted the target object upon hearing restrictive verbs. However, the L2 group showed such a predictive behavior only when the sentences contained higher‐frequency subjects, whereas the L1 group did so in both conditions but faster with higher‐frequency subjects. These results suggest L2 learners’ sound ability to generate predictions, and underscore the importance of word frequency in facilitating both L1 and L2 prediction.