Cognitive representation of multi-word sequences in English: Converging evidence

This project seeks to put into perspective and address a number of specific questions as regards the effects of frequency on the production and perception of multi-word sequences, and their reduced phonological variants, by both L1 and proficient L2 speakers. Converging evidence from production (corpora and elicitation experiments) as well as from perception (perception experiments) will be central to the aims of this project. Cutting-edge quantitative methods that can support the multivariate nature of the studies outlined below will also be indispensable:

the effects of frequency information and phonological reduction on the perception of multi-word sequences by proficient L2 learners (and how their results compare to those previously obtained for L1 speakers; see Lorenz & Tizón-Couto 2019; Tizón-Couto & Lorenz 2025):
the conditioning factors for variation, across native varieties of English, in the cognitive representation of multi-word sequences that allow for alternation (e.g. try to-Vinf vs. try and-Vinf; see Tizón-Couto 2022)
language users’ mental representation of items of different frequencies in the semi-modal V-to-Vinf construction (see Lorenz & Tizón-Couto 2024) or the SKT construction (sort of, kind of, type of) and their different pronunciation variants in American speech.
how do general cognitive processes (e.g. entrenchment) shape the interplay between innovation and convention in language change? (see Lorenz & Tizón-Couto 2025).