Previous studies have shown that prosodic information plays an important role in spoken word recognition by L2 learners (Cooper et al. 2002). However, it remains unclear exactly how and when learners use prosodic cues during the word recognition process. This study addresses the question of whether Chinese (Mandarin) learners of Japanese utilize prosodic information incrementally by investigating the patterns and timing of their use of accentual information in the course of the word recognition process. We conducted eye-tracking experiments with a visual world paradigm, using artificial Japanese words. The analysis of saccadic eye-movement patterns revealed that Chinese L2 learners can use prosodic cues incrementally in word recognition.
