The influence of linguistic and cognitive background on word stress processing in an unknown language

Individual differences in working memory and musical aptitude, as well as task complexity are crucial in
predicting the performance of word stress perception in a second language (L2). The present study investigated the interactive
effects of these factors with the listeners’ first language. French and German listeners, both without knowledge of Spanish,
performed stress-related tasks in Spanish, as well as musical and working memory tests in their L1. Besides confirming the impact
of L1, our findings better define the influence of working memory and musical aptitude on L2 stress perception by specifically
tapping into the central executive component of working memory, objectively assessing musical aptitude, and considering task
complexity as a moderating factor in the relationship between the inter-individual factors and L2 stress perception. Our findings
are also the first to demonstrate task-specific performance differences between French and German listeners, possibly reflecting
differential cognitive and perceptual mechanisms depending on L1.