# Predicting Native Language from Gaze

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to predict a person's native language based on eye-movement patterns during second language reading, revealing linguistic influences on reading behavior.

## Contribution

It presents a novel eye-tracking analysis framework that predicts native language from gaze data, advancing multilingualism research.

## Key findings

- Native language can be predicted from gaze fixations
- Differences in reading are linked to linguistic divergences
- Framework complements existing production studies

## Abstract

A fundamental question in language learning concerns the role of a speaker's first language in second language acquisition. We present a novel methodology for studying this question: analysis of eye-movement patterns in second language reading of free-form text. Using this methodology, we demonstrate for the first time that the native language of English learners can be predicted from their gaze fixations when reading English. We provide analysis of classifier uncertainty and learned features, which indicates that differences in English reading are likely to be rooted in linguistic divergences across native languages. The presented framework complements production studies and offers new ground for advancing research on multilingualism.