Segmental Overlap as a Function of Prime Duration in Simple and Complex Monosyllabic Word Naming in Speakers of English as Second Language

Abstract

The study examines the effect of segmental overlap on naming monosyllabic words with distinct syllable complexities under a common priming paradigm with varying duration of prime presentation in second language speakers of English. 25 participants aged between 18 and 27 years are introduced to segmental primes (no overlap to complete overlap) presented across 100, 200 and 400 milliseconds prior to naming CVC and CCVCC monosyllabic words under a masked priming condition. The naming latencies are compared across segmental primes and duration to reveal certain variations in the nature and extent of facilitation for simple and complex words, which are interpreted on the basis of factors influencing primed word naming such as processing time and type.