Ian Cunnings

Email:
i.cunnings@reading.ac.uk
Phone:
0118 378 5538
Job title:
Associate Professor

Responsibilities:

Programme Director for BSc Psychology and Language Sciences
Programme Director for MSc Language Sciences

Areas of interest

Psycholinguistics, in particular sentence and discourse comprehension and morphological processing
Memory retrieval during language comprehension
First and second language acquisition
Multilingualism.

My main research focus at the moment investigates the working memory operations that subserve successful language comprehension.

Recent advances in our understanding of the memory encoding and retrieval mechanisms that support language processing have greatly increased our understanding of the difficulties that may be observed during language comprehension in different populations of speakers.

Much of my work investigates these issues from the perspective of monolingual and bilingual language comprehension.

Teaching

Linguistics 2
Language Processing (Speech and Language Therapy

Research centres and groups

Academic qualifications

PhD in Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics, University of Essex
MA in Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics, University of Essex
BA (Hons) in English Language, University of Sussex.

Publications

Cunnings, I. and Sturt, P. (2023) Illusions of plausibility in adjuncts and co-ordination. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience ISSN: 2327-3801 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23273798.2023.2235033
Fujita, H. and Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2023) Interference in quantifier float and subject-verb agreement. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience ISSN: 2327-3801 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23273798.2023.2189738
Foraker, S. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 , Martin, A. (2023) Speed-Accuracy tradeoff modelling and its interface with experimental syntax. In: Sprouse, J. , (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Experimental Syntax. Oxford Handbooks Oxford University Press , Oxford. pp. 363-392. ISBN: 9780198797722
Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 and Fujita, H. (2023) Similarity-based interference and relative clauses in second language processing. Second Language Research , 39 (2). pp. 539-563. ISSN: 1477-0326 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02676583211063534

Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2022) Interference-based and capacity-based approaches to working memory in second language sentence processing. In: Leal, T. , Shimanskaya, E. , Isabelli, C. , (eds.) Generative SLA in the age of Minimalism: Features, interfaces, and beyond (Selected proceedings of the 15th Generative Approaches to Second Language Acquisition Conference). Language Acquisition and Language Disorders John Benjamins (67). pp. 243-264. ISBN: 9789027211446 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1075/lald.67.10cun
Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2022) Working memory and L2 sentence processing. In: Schwieter, J. and Wen, Z. , (eds.) The Cambridge Handbook of Working Memory and Language. Cambridge University Press pp. 593-612. ISBN: 9781108955638 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/9781108955638.033
Pontikas, G. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 , Marinis, T. (2022) Online processing of which-questions in bilingual children: Evidence from eye-tracking. Journal of Child Language ISSN: 0305-0009 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0305000922000253
Fujita, H. and Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2022) Interference and filler-gap dependency formation in native and non-native language comprehension. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition , 48 (5). pp. 702-716. ISSN: 0278-7393 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xlm0001134
Cheng, Y. , Rothman, J. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2022) Determiner-number specification and non-local agreement computation in L1 and L2 processing. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research , 51 pp. 847-863. ISSN: 0090-6905 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10936-022-09864-w
Cheng, Y. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 , Miller, D. , Rothman, J. (2022) Double-number marking matters for both L1 and L2 processing of nonlocal agreement similarly: an ERP investigation. Studies in Second Language Acquisition , 44 (5). pp. 1309-1329. ISSN: 1470-1545 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263121000772

Fujita, H. and Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2021) Reanalysis processes in non-native sentence comprehension. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition , 24 (4). pp. 628-641. ISSN: 1469-1841 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1366728921000195
Gonzalez Alonso, J. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 , Fujita, H. , Miller, D. , Rothman, J. (2021) Gender attraction in sentence comprehension. Glossa: a journal of general linguistics , 6 (1). ISSN: 2397-1835 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.5334/gjgl.1300
Cheng, Y. , Rothman, J. , Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2021) Parsing preferences and individual differences in non-native sentence processing: evidence from eye-movements. Applied Psycholinguistics , 42 (1). pp. 129-151. ISSN: 0142-7164 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S014271642000065X
Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 and Fujita, H. (2021) Quantifying individual differences in native and non-native sentence processing. Applied Psycholinguistics , 42 (3). pp. 579-599. ISSN: 1469-1817 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0142716420000648
Fujita, H. and Cunnings, I. ORCID: 0000-0002-5318-0186 (2021) Lingering misinterpretation in native and non-native sentence processing: evidence from structural priming. Applied Psycholinguistics , 42 (2). pp. 475-504. ISSN: 1469-1817 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0142716420000351

Fujita, H. and Cunnings, I. (2020) Reanalysis and lingering misinterpretation of linguistic dependencies in native and non-native sentence comprehension. Journal of Memory and Language , 115 ISSN: 0749-596X | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2020.104154

Rothman, J. , Bayram, F. , Cunnings, I. , Gonzalez Alonso, J. (2019) Formal linguistics approaches to adult second language acquisition and processing. In: Schwieter, J. and Benati, A. , (eds.) The Cambridge Handbook of Language Learning. Cambridge University Press ISBN: 9781108333603 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/9781108333603

Marinis, T. and Cunnings, I. (2018) Using psycholinguistic techniques in a second language teaching setting. In: Wright, C. , Piske, T. , Young-Scholten, M. , (eds.) Mind matters in SLA. Multilingual Matters , Bristol. pp. 185-202. ISBN: 9781788921626
Puig-Mayenco, E. , Cunnings, I. , Bayram, F. , Miller, D. , Tubau, S. , Rothman, J. (2018) Language dominance affects early bilingual performance and processing outcomes in adulthood. Frontiers in Psychology , 9 ISSN: 1664-1078 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01199
Cunnings, I. and Sturt, P. (2018) Coargumenthood and the processing of pronouns. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience , 33 (10). pp. 1235-1251. ISSN: 2327-3801 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23273798.2018.1465188
Cunnings, I. and Sturt, P. (2018) Retrieval interference and semantic interpretation. Journal of Memory and Language , 102 pp. 16-27. ISSN: 0749-596X | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2018.05.001

Cunnings, I. (2017) Interference in native and non-native sentence processing. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition , 20 (4). pp. 712-721. ISSN: 1469-1841 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1366728916001243
Cunnings, I. , Fotiadou, G. , Tsimpli, I. (2017) Anaphora resolution and reanalysis during L2 sentence processing: evidence from the visual world paradigm. Studies in Second Language Acquisition , 39 (4). pp. 621-652. ISSN: 1470-1545 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263116000292
Boxell, O. , Felser, C. , Cunnings, I. (2017) Antecedent contained deletions in native and non-native sentence processing. Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism , 7 (5). pp. 554-582. ISSN: 1879-9272 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1075/lab.15006.box
Cunnings, I. (2017) Parsing and working memory in bilingual sentence processing. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition , 20 (4). pp. 659-678. ISSN: 1469-1841 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1366728916000675

Cunnings, I. and Finlayson, I. (2015) Mixed effects modelling and longitudinal data analysis. In: Plonsky, L. , (eds.) Advancing quantitative methods in second language research. Routledge , Abingdon. pp. 159-181. ISBN: 9780415718332
Cunnings, I. , Patterson, C. , Felser, C. (2015) Structural constraints on pronoun binding and coreference: evidence from eye movements during reading. Frontiers in Psychology , 6 ISSN: 1664-1078 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00840
Linck, J. and Cunnings, I. (2015) The utility and application of mixed-effects models in second language research. Language Learning , 65 (S1). pp. 185-207. ISSN: 1467-9922 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/lang.12117

Cunnings, I. and Sturt, P. (2014) Coargumenthood and the processing of reflexives. Journal of Memory and Language , 75 pp. 117-139. ISSN: 0749-596X | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2014.05.006
Cunnings, I. , Patterson, C. , Felser, C. (2014) Variable binding and coreference in sentence comprehension: evidence from eye movements. Journal of Memory and Language , 71 (1). pp. 39-59. ISSN: 0749-596X | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2013.10.001

Clahsen, H. , Balkhair, L. , Schutter, J. , Cunnings, I. (2013) The time-course of morphological processing in a second language. Second Language Research , 29 (1). pp. 7-31. ISSN: 1477-0326 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0267658312464970
Cunnings, I. and Felser, C. (2013) The role of working memory in the processing of reflexives. Language and Cognitive Processes , 28 (1-2). pp. 188-219. ISSN: 0169-0965 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01690965.2010.548391

Cunnings, I. (2012) An overview of mixed-effects statistical models for second language researchers. Second Language Research , 28 (3). pp. 369-382. ISSN: 1477-0326 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0267658312443651
Felser, C. and Cunnings, I. (2012) Processing reflexives in a second language: the timing of structural and discourse-level information. Applied Psycholinguistics , 33 (3). pp. 571-603. ISSN: 1469-1817 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0142716411000488
Felser, C. , Cunnings, I. , Batterham, C. , Clahsen, H. (2012) The timing of island effects in nonnative sentence processing. Studies in Second Language Acquisition , 34 (1). pp. 67-98. ISSN: 1470-1545 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263111000507

Cunnings, I. , Batterham, C. , Felser, C. , Clahsen, H. (2010) Constraints on L2 learners’ processing of wh- dependencies: evidence from eye-movements. In: VanPatten, B. and Jegerski, J. , (eds.) Research in Second Language Processing and Parsing. John Benjamins Publishing Company pp. 87-110. ISBN: 9789027253156

Cunnings, I. and Clahsen, H. (2008) The time-course of morphological constraints: a study of plurals inside derived words. The Mental Lexicon , 3 (2). pp. 149-175. ISSN: 1871-1340 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1075/ml.3.2.01cun

Cunnings, I. and Clahsen, H. (2007) The time-course of morphological constraints: Evidence from eye-movements during reading. Cognition , 104 (3). pp. 476-494. ISSN: 0010-0277 | doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2006.07.010

Ian Cunnings

Areas of interest

Teaching

Research centres and groups

Academic qualifications

Publications

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2015

2014

2013

2012

2010

2008

2007