Lexical Network Structures and L2 Vocabulary Acquisition: The Role of L1 Lexical/Conceptual Knowledge
Applied Linguistics, (2006)Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical account for how learners might draw upon L1 lexical and conceptual knowledge when making assumptions about connections between words in the L2 lexicon. It is suggested that L1 lexical knowledge can be both a help and a hindrance when forming L2 connections, particularly in respect to collocations. Furthermore, some of the commonly-held assumptions about the significance of paradigmatic and syntagmatic connections for L2 lexical development are challenged in light of the theoretical proposals presented in the paper.