The Interactive Model of L2 Listening Processing in Chinese Bilinguals: A Multiple Mediation Analysis

Yilong Yang; Guoying Yang; Yadan Li

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.871349

The Interactive Model of L2 Listening Processing in Chinese Bilinguals: A Multiple Mediation Analysis

Front Psychol. 2022 Apr 8:13:871349. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.871349. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Yilong Yang^{1

2}, Guoying Yang², Yadan Li^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Research Center for Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, China.
² School of English Studies, Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, China.
³ Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
⁴ Shaanxi Normal University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal University, Xi'an, China.

Abstract

Second language (L2) listening is a common challenge for language learners. It remains largely unknown how bilinguals process L2 listening. The literature has suggested an interactive model of L2 listening processing. However, few studies have examined the model from an experimental approach. The current study tried to provide empirical evidence for the interactive model of L2 listening processing in bilinguals by exploring the relationships among English spoken word segmentation (SWS), cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and L2 listening proficiency. The results showed positive associations among SWS, cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and L2 listening proficiency. Mediation analysis suggested that SWS might have a positive influence on L2 listening proficiency both directly and indirectly through cognitive inhibition and cognitive flexibility, respectively. These results imply that both bottom-up (reflected at SWS) and top-down (reflected at cognitive inhibition and flexibility) processes are engaged in bilinguals' L2 listening processing.

Keywords: L2 listening; cognitive flexibility; cognitive inhibition; spoken word segmentation; the interactive model.