Online Methods for Examining Heritage Speaker Morphosyntax
Amelia Tseng, Charles B. Chang, Tania Leal, Jin Sook Lee, Belem G. López · 2025
In this chapter, we explore a number of online methodologies commonly employed to study morphosyntactic knowledge in heritage speaker populations, with an emphasis on both comprehension and production. First, we outline the importance of methodological choices and discuss the benefits of employing online methods, such as priming and eye-tracking, to address the distinct linguistic profiles of heritage speakers. Online methodologies enable precise measurement of morphosyntactic processing and comprehension in real-time, facilitating insights into implicit linguistic knowledge. The adaptability of these tools to the particular characteristics of heritage speakers highlights is a key part of their significance. We conclude the chapter by advocating for the use of methodological triangulation to gain insights into bilingual competencies across different contexts and modalities. We also suggest further research into constructs like predictive processing and adaptation, especially with less-studied populations.