The More the Merrier? On the Influence of Indexical Variability on Second Language Vocabulary Learning

Abstract We investigated indexical variation as a variable that promotes second language (L2) vocabulary learning across modalities. In three experiments, we presented Catalan Sign Language signs (Experiments 1a and 1b), pseudowords (Experiment 2), English words 3) to participants in conditions varied the number of people who introduced these stimuli (one, three, or six people). evaluated outcomes two recall tasks: picture‐to‐L2 naming task L2‐to‐L1 translation task. For sign modality, benefitted immediate 1a) delayed after weeks picture 1b). oral observed no effect when learned but variability benefited 3). discuss contrastive results, considering influence adult L2 learning.