Chapter 5. Language prediction in second language

It is currently accepted that native speakers regularly predict upcoming elements during language comprehension. Empirical evidence suggests that the ability to predict is not as stable in a second language (L2) compared to the first language (L1). One factor that may affect prediction in an L2 is cross-linguistic influence (CLI). Only a handful of studies have tested this hypothesis. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to raise awareness of the importance of CLI, rather than to draw strong conclusions, and to propose directions for future research. After a brief review of CLI on language processing in general, studies that have investigated the circumstances under which these effects may play a (positive/negative) role with regard to prediction are reviewed.