Untangling word webs: graph theory and the notion of density in second language word association networks

Abstract

This article examines the implications of the metaphor of the ‘vocabulary network’. It takes a formal approach to the exploration of this metaphor by applying the principles of Graph Theory to word association data in order to compare the relative densities of first language (L1) and second language (L2) lexical networks. Earlier graph theoretical research into L2 word associations is reviewed and methodological flaws in this work discussed. It describes the development of a new elicitation tool which is able to provide a means of quantifying lexical density levels. Levels of linkage in the L1 and L2 lexical networks are shown to be higher than previously assumed in the literature. It is argued that it will be helpful to develop a more complex interpretation of the notion of lexical density.