The Effects of Determiner Length and Definiteness in Auditory Gender Processing

Abstract

This study investigates how determiner length and definiteness influence the auditory processing of grammatical gender in L1-English learners of Spanish. While previous research has examined gender processing and predictive mechanisms in both native speakers and L2 learners, few studies have explored how the properties of the determiner itself—specifically its length and definiteness—affect real-time processing. To address this gap, the present experiment tested 20 auditory stimuli containing determiners that varied in syllabic length (one to three syllables) and definiteness (definite vs. indefinite), followed by gender-marked adjectives. Results revealed that monosyllabic determiners significantly improved accuracy, suggesting reduced cognitive load and more efficient use of morphosyntactic cues. Masculine items also showed higher accuracy, consistent with their unmarked status and higher frequency in Spanish input. In contrast, definiteness and differences between longer determiners did not significantly affect performance. Overall, the findings indicate that determiner length, rather than referential specificity, plays a central role in L2 learners’ ability to extract gender cues during auditory processing.