On the automaticity of language processing.

Hartsuiker, Robert J.; Moors, Agnes

doi:10.1037/15969-010

Cited by 25Neurobiology of Language and BilingualismLanguage Development and DisordersReading and Literacy Development

On the automaticity of language processing.

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Hartsuiker, Robert J., Moors, Agnes·2017·Entrenchment and the psychology of language learning: How we reorganize and adapt linguistic knowledge.

DOI 10.1037/15969-010

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Abstract

People speak and listen to language all the time. Given this high frequency of use, it is often suggested that at least some aspects of language processing are highly overlearned and therefore occur “automatically”. Here we critically examine this suggestion. We first sketch a framework that views automaticity as a set of interrelated features of mental processes and a matter of degree rather than a single feature that is all-or-none. We then apply this framework to language processing. To do so, we carve up the processes involved in language use according to (a) whether language processing takes place in monologue or dialogue, (b) whether the individual is comprehending or producing language, (c) whether the spoken or written modality is used, and (d) the linguistic processing level at which they occur, that is, phonology, the lexicon, syntax, or conceptual processes. This exercise suggests that while conceptual processes are relatively non-automatic (as is usually assumed), there is also considerable evidence that syntactic and lexical lower-level processes are not fully automatic. We close by discussing entrenchment as a set of mechanisms underlying automatization.

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We are vulnerable to mistaking LLM output for useful or informative text because our linguistic processing capabilities are instinctual and reflexive.
“Moreover, we are vulnerable to mistaking it for useful or informative text because our linguistic processing capabilities are instinctual and reflexive (48).”
From How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science? (2025) · cites this paper as [48]

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Authors: Hartsuiker, R. J., & Moors, A.
Affiliations: Ghent University (BE)
KU Leuven (BE)
ORCID: Hartsuiker, Robert J.
Moors, Agnes
Venue: Entrenchment and the psychology of language learning: How we reorganize and adapt linguistic knowledge.
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Published: 2017
Pages: 201-225
DOI: 10.1037/15969-010
OpenAlex: W2373836078
Cited by: 25
References: 54
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1
FWCI: 2.45
Type: book chapter
Language: en
Open access: green
biblio.ugent.be
Licence: other-oa
Locations: American Psychological Association eBooks (publishedVersion)
Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Lirias (submittedVersion)
Funders: Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders (G.0223.13N)
Research Fund of KU Leuven (GOA/15/003)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Language Development and Disorders
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Reading and Literacy Development
Keywords: automaticity, language processing, overlearning, automation, entrenchment, monologue and dialogue, comprehension and production, written vs. spoken language, phonology, vocabulary, syntax, conceptual processes

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On the automaticity of language processing.

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