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Working memory and second language learning
Author(s) -
Wen Zhisheng
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of applied linguistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.712
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1473-4192
pISSN - 0802-6106
DOI - 10.1111/j.1473-4192.2011.00290.x
Subject(s) - psychology , working memory , construct (python library) , second language acquisition , set (abstract data type) , cognitive psychology , bridging (networking) , cognition , foreign language , context (archaeology) , task (project management) , active listening , nexus (standard) , linguistics , cognitive science , computer science , pedagogy , communication , computer network , philosophy , paleontology , management , neuroscience , embedded system , economics , biology , programming language
This book introduces a principled approach to incorporating the construct of working memory (WM) into second language acquisition (SLA) research. Towards that end, I argue for an integrated framework of WM for SLA that draws on insights from established WM research in cognitive psychology as well as initial findings from SLA studies looking into the effects of WM. Within the framework, I also propose a set of general principles that serve as a basis for further studies probing the WM‐SLA nexus. Applying some tenets from this framework, I report on an empirical study investigating the differential effects of WM constructs on L2 task‐based speech planning and performance, culminating in forged links bridging WM components and their corresponding L2 speech performance measures. Further implications of this integrated framework of WM for SLA are also discussed in the context of “WM as foreign language aptitude”.