The shape of a word: single word characteristics’ effect on novice L2 listening comprehension

Abstract The purpose of this study was to expand upon available research which quantifies the relationship between single word characteristics and L2 listening comprehension. The effect of single word characteristics on L2 listening have been mostly studied in isolation in past research. Furthermore, little research exists on listening comprehension during the first years of L2 acquisition. To begin filling this gap, 172 English L2 novice participants were administered an isolated phrase transcription test in which participants must quickly attempt to transcribe phrases of four to five words they hear only one time. The independent variable word characteristics in this study were part of speech, phrasal position, word length, frequency, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor norms, an embodiment semantic variable. Word transcription probability (i.e., whether a word was transcribed or not) was analyzed using Rasch analysis and hierarchical linear mixed effects regression. Part of speech and phrasal position did not significantly predict word transcription probability. Word length, frequency, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor norms significantly predicted transcription probability. The findings of this study have implications for the creation of listening texts and theoretical models of L2 listening comprehension.