L2-FL Interference at the Lexical Retrieval Level as Triggered by Sociocultural Implications

This research paper investigates foreign language (FL) interference at the level of lexical retrieval within Second Language (L2) speech, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) state that occurs when FL vocabulary is incorporated into L2 utterances. Sociocultural connections with the FL are likely to incur deeper psychological engagement, particularly in informal contexts, resulting in the unconscious integration of FL lexicon into L2 speech acts. A descriptive analytical method is adopted to prove the study's hypotheses by reviewing previous studies to investigate the sociocultural factors that influence the emergence of FL in L2 utterances characterized by TOT states. Adopting Lantolf’s study, which incorporates Sociocultural Theory (SCT) into cognitive linguistics, the paper frames Lantolf’s SCT within the context of FL rather than traditionally the Second Language (L2). The findings indicate that while the first language (L1) remains relatively stable, L2 is susceptible to FL interference due to sociocultural factors rather than purely linguistic ones. It is not the aim of this study to explore the causes of TOTs or the nature of their occurrence from a scientific perspective, as this would require conducting experimental and/or neuroimaging studies. Instead, the TOT phenomenon is utilized here to provide insights into lexical access and retrieval in L2, influenced by FL sociocultural connections.