Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CAT4 Practice Questions and Study Guide

The phenomenon where two speakers mirror each other's grammatical structures during a conversation is referred to as syntactic priming. This term describes how the structure used by one speaker can influence the structure chosen by another speaker in subsequent speech. It highlights the interplay between syntax and dialogue, where repeated exposure to certain grammatical forms in conversation can lead to their adoption by others, facilitating smoother communication and understanding.

Syntactic priming occurs naturally in conversations, enhancing coherence and leading to a sense of connection between speakers. It shows how language production is not only an individual effort but also a collaborative process, with speakers adapting to each other's linguistic cues. This phenomenon is supported by empirical studies in psycholinguistics that explore how shared syntax can impact linguistic performance in interactive settings.

In contrast, other terms like semantic priming typically relate to the influence of meaning rather than structure, while grammatical synchronization and cognitive mirroring are not widely recognized terms specifically defining this syntactic interaction.