Eye Movement Patterns in First Language and Second Language English Error Detection

This study investigates the differential error sensitivity between native English speakers (L1) and Korean learners of English (L2) using eye-tracking technology. The research focuses on various grammatical errors to understand how L2 proficiency impacts error detection and processing. The eye-tracking data collected from Korean-English speakers of varying proficiency levels and native English speakers reveal that advanced L2 readers exhibit error sensitivity comparable to that of native speakers for specific error types, particularly article omissions, word order violations, and illegal nonwords, during an error detection task. However, L1 readers generally detect errors more swiftly and exhibit longer fixation durations, indicating a higher sensitivity to errors. The study highlights the influence of L1 transfer on L2 error detection and emphasizes the role of L2 proficiency in achieving native-like error sensitivity. These findings provide insights into the cognitive processes underlying L2 reading and error detection.