Lexical Processing of Language in Second Language Learners: An Investigation of Native Speakers of the Igala Language

This study investigates lexical processing in second-language (L2) learners, with a specific focus on native speakers of the Igala language, to understand how linguistic background influences word recognition, storage, and retrieval in a second language. With a focus on the theoretical framework of the Revised Hierarchical Model, this study explores the extent to which Igala-English bilinguals rely on their first language (L1) during lexical access and how proficiency levels mediate the transition from lexical to conceptual processing. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to provide a comprehensive analysis of L2 lexical processing. A sample of Igala native speakers learning English as a second language is selected through purposive sampling, and data are collected using lexical decision tasks and word translation exercises to measure processing speed and accuracy. The quantitative data are analysed using statistical methods to identify patterns of lexical access and cross-linguistic influence. In contrast, qualitative data are thematically analysed to provide deeper insights into learners’ processing mechanisms. The findings are expected to reveal that lower-proficiency learners rely heavily on L1 lexical mediation. In contrast, more advanced learners develop stronger direct links between L2 lexical items and conceptual representations, thereby reducing dependence on L1. By situating Igala-English bilinguals within established psycholinguistic models, this study contributes to the broader field of second language acquisition and lexical processing by highlighting the role of under-researched African languages in shaping bilingual cognition and offering pedagogical implications for improving vocabulary instruction and language teaching strategies in multilingual contexts.