Abstract
Working memory (WM) is our cognitive ability to simultaneously maintain and manipulate a limited amount of information in our brain to complete some mental tasks. This chapter explores its role in second language learning, processing and long-term proficiency development. Toward this goal, it will first provide an overview of major theoretical perspectives and models of WM in cognitive psychology and neuroscience that have been applied and implemented in current SLA/bilingualism research. These culminate in an integrated account of WM conception and assessment procedures in language and SLA research. In addition, the chapter also calls for a paradigm shift in future WM-SLA research from the current focus on examining WM components to exploring finer-grain WM and executive functions and subprocesses through more ecologically valid assessment procedures. Theoretical and pedagogical implications for L2 pedagogy and instructional design are also discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Cognitive Individual Differences in Second Language Acquisition |
| Subtitle of host publication | Theories, Assessment and Pedagogy |
| Publisher | de Gruyter |
| Pages | 97-123 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781614514749 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781614516767 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Apr 2023 |
Keywords
- Attention control
- Executive functions
- The embedded-processes model
- The multi-component model
- The phonological/executive model
- WM-SLA nexus
- Working memory