Working memory in first and second language: A tale of two paradigms

Working memory, the cognitive ability to maintain and manipulate a small amount of information in our immediate consciousness, is deemed to underpin essential facets of human cognition including language acquisition, processing, and bilingual development. This Cambridge Element sets out to bring together and provides a detailed comparative analysis of the two most broadly cited theoretical models of working memory in contemporary research in linguistics and second language acquisition. To this end, it will first trace the pedigree of the two distinctive approaches to conceptualize working memory, summarizing key concepts and basic tenets of the seminal multicomponent model as proposed by Alan Baddeley and the embedded-processes model by Nelson Cowan respectively. Following these theoretical accounts, we will then review and synthesize empirical studies and converging evidence demonstrating how each working memory model has been applied and contributed to informing first and second language acquisition research. Building on basic insights from the literature, we sketch out an integrated framework to conceptualize and measure working memory in language and SLA research. Finally, we spell out the theoretical, methodological, and practical ramifications of the integrated perspective, with a view to illuminating theory construction, assessment procedures, classroom instruction, cognitive training, and remedial interventions. We end the volume by proposing new avenues for future research and listing key references for further reading.