Electrophysiological evidence for phonological priming in Spanish Sign Language lexical access

► We used ERPs to explore the influence and time course of location and handshape on sign recognition. ► Results suggest that the two parameters play different roles in the process of lexical access. ► Location overlap elicited an N400, indicating lexical competition during LSE sign recognition. ► Handshape overlap showed a later effect (600-800 ms window). ► The effects were weaker for the late signers, that may accomplish a less efficient processing.