What It Means to Be Processed Faster: The Processing of Formulaic Sequences by Native and L2 Speakers

Abstract

Formulaic sequences have been found to present a processing advantage compared to non-formulaic equivalents by native speakers and sometimes by L2 speakers. This is either because formulaic sequences is processed as unanalysed holistic units or because they are processed in a highly automatized manner. It may also be due to the frequency of formulaic sequences, which plays an important part in language processing. In spite of different views regarding what implications these propositions may have for on-line processing, faster processing itself is advantageous for L2 speakers. Based on the review of the concept of formulaicity, I discuss the studies investigating the processing of formulaic sequences and suggest the importance of the question: What does it mean for formulaic sequences to hold a privileged advantage, especially for L2 learners?