The ELL Psycholinguistics Lab (ELLPL – pronounced similar to apple) was founded in 2021 to investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing, with a particular focus on both production and comprehension. Our research examines how linguistic backgrounds—whether native, non-native, or heritage speakers—shape the ways individuals use and process language in diverse contexts. Led by Juliet Huynh, the lab is located in Helen C. White Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including the EyeLink 1000 eye-tracking system (SR Research), we study eye movements to gain insights into reading and visual language processing.
We also leverage DMDX, a robust software for presenting stimuli and accurately recording reaction times, which is invaluable for tasks such as lexical decision, word recognition, and priming experiments. For these studies, we utilize button-pushing devices to capture precise participant responses, ensuring high accuracy and reliability in our data collection. In addition to these tools, our lab employs high-quality audio recording equipment and specialized software to design experiments tailored to the complexities of human language processing. These technologies enable us to explore various aspects of linguistic behavior, from cognitive processing to neural responses, facilitating a deeper understanding of how humans acquire and use language.
Our work not only advances theoretical frameworks in psycholinguistics but also provides practical insights into multilingual communication. We are eager to collaborate with students, researchers, and other professionals who share our passion for unraveling the mysteries of language and cognition. Whether you’re considering joining our lab, participating in studies, or simply learning more about our research, we encourage you to connect with us and be a part of our exciting journey.
Our research addresses key questions in language processing:
- How does lexical access between the L1 and L2/Ln differ from each other, if there are differences?
- How do bilingual speakers, such as L1-dominant and L2-dominant heritage speakers, differ in their ability to comprehend and produce language?
- What cognitive factors (e.g., working memory, attention) influence real-time language processing?
- How do individuals process complex linguistic structures across different languages?
Our mission is to provide both theoretical insights and practical applications to advance the understanding of how language operates in diverse populations.
The Psycholinguistics Lab is actively engaged in several research initiatives, including:
- Eye-tracking studies: Investigating sentence comprehension and real-time processing of written language.
- Heritage language processing: Examining how heritage speakers produce and comprehend their ancestral language.
- Second language sentence processing: Exploring how non-native speakers handle syntactic and semantic complexities.
We are always interested in connecting with students and researchers passionate about psycholinguistics. If you are interested in:
- Learning more about our research projects
- Participating in ongoing studies
- Volunteering in the lab
Please reach out to Juliet Huynh at jhuynh5@wisc.edu. We look forward to discussing how you can contribute to or benefit from our work.
Research facility
Lab setting
EyeLink 1000 eye-tracking system
DMDX with button-pushing devices
“The study of psycholinguistics reveals not only how we speak, but how we understand and even create worlds through words.”