Lexical Availability and Semantic Networks in L1 and L2: A Systematic Review Based on the PRISMA Method

Abstract

This systematic review synthesises the evolving landscape of research on lexical availability and semantic network studies across various languages, focusing both on L1 and L2 contexts. Originating from the need to optimize language acquisition efficiency, this fields has evolved to explore the complex cognitive processes underlying lexical selection and organisation. Following PRISMA guidelines to ensure methodical rigour, this review critically assesses the contributions of 26 studies conducted globally, employing diverse methodologies and focusing on a wide array of populations and linguistic contexts. Key findings highlight the dynamic nature of lexical networks, which are significantly influenced by factors such as language, age, proficiency, educational stages, and sociocultural milieu. Innovations in computational tools like DispoGrafo, LexMath, and LexPro have propelled forward our understanding of semantic networks, offering sophisticated analyses of how lexical items interconnect within the mental lexicon. Despite these advances, the review identifies methodological limitations, including the need for greater consistency in sample sizes across comparative studies and for careful consideration of the stimulus variability in lexical activation. The move towards online lexical availability tests, while a milestone, warrants cautious implementation to ensure methodological integrity. The review advocates for broader and more in-depth analyses of semantic networks and urges researchers to expand inquiry beyond the predominantly examined languages to enhance our understanding of lexical processing across different linguistic and cultural landscapes. This comprehensive examination highlights the significance of lexical availability research in cognitive linguistics and language education, and outlines pathways for future inquiry, emphasising the potential for technological innovations to unravel the complexities of the human lexicon.