Working Memory and Second Language Learning: Towards an Integrated Approach

Zhisheng (Edward) Wen

Published by Multilingual Matters 2016

Working Memory and Second Language Learning

Towards an Integrated Approach

Zhisheng (Edward) Wen

In the series Second Language Acquisition

https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783095735

Overview
Contents

About this book

The book investigates theories and measures of working memory in second language learning, processing and development. Research syntheses, theoretical perspectives and methodological insights illuminate the relationships between working memory components and functions in connection with specific L2 acquisition domains, skills and processes.

Author / Editor information

Wen Zhisheng (Edward) :

Zhisheng (Edward) Wen is Associate Professor at the School of Languages and Translation at Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI). He has taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in applied linguistics and psycholinguistics at tertiary level for over 15 years. His research interests include second language acquisition and TESOL, psycholinguistics and cognitive science, as well as genre analysis and translation studies. He is a co-editor of Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and Processing (2015, Multilingual Matters).

Reviews

Nick Ellis, University of Michigan, USA:

A well-informed, up-to-date, and comprehensive review of phonological and executive aspects of working memory, their components and measurement, their roles in second language acquisition and processing, and their status as language aptitudes. An excellent overview for scholars in these areas.

Nelson Cowan, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA:

There are perhaps few predicaments as frustrating as being unable to communicate with another person because he or she does not speak the same language as you. In this volume, Dr Wen comprehensively considers the importance for second language learning of the individual’s working memory, the small amount of information that can be readily held in mind to carry out cognitive tasks. Different theoretical views are considered in detail and they are judiciously applied in an up-to-date treatment of various facets of language learning. The volume will be of great interest to students of both memory and language, ranging from novices to experts.

Alan D. Baddeley, University of York, UK:

One of the most encouraging features of the development of the multicomponent model of working memory has been its application beyond the laboratory to a range of issues of which language learning is among the most important. Work was initially focused on native language acquisition but subsequently exciting developments are increasingly occurring in the hugely significant field of second language learning. This book surveys the field in detail, producing a synthesis of evidence and theory that will make a substantial contribution to this important field.

John Williams, University of Cambridge, UK:

A thorough analysis of how the various components of the working memory system relate to different aspects of second language processing and learning. This is a very timely and useful contribution to a centrally important topic in the field of individual differences.

Adriana Biedroń, Pomeranian Academy in Słupsk, Poland:

The volume presents a comprehensive, thorough and updated review of both the theory and research in WM-SLA relationship(...) A great advantage of the book is the way the author provides information in the form of tables, which is of great assistance to the reader. Another asset is the critical perspective on the research methodology employed and the attempt to pinpoint the gaps and inconsistencies in empirical studies. Therefore, this book will be extremely useful for SLA undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers interested in investigating cognitive differences.

Akiko Kashiwagi-Wood, Oakland University, Michigan, USA:

This book provides an excellent overview for WM research in SLA. The book defines core terminologies used in the WM research in SLA and the table of 80 previous WM studies in SLA is impressive (Chapter 5) and provides well-rounded background references in research. Wen also provides a thorough analysis of different components of the WM in different aspects of L2. Since there has not been a comprehensive book which has focused on WM and SLA, this book is perfect for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of SLA.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Foreword Peter Skehan Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	viii
Preface and Acknowledgements Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xi
Abbreviations Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xv
1. Introduction and Overview Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Part 1. Theoretical and Methodological Foundations
2. Working Memory Theories and Models Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	11
3. Working Memory Measures and Issues Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	26
Part 2. Research Syntheses of Working Memory in L1 and L2 Learning
4. Working Memory in First Language Research Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	43
5. Working Memory in Second Language Research Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	59
Part 3. Toward an Integrated Perspective on Working Memory and SLA
6. An Integrated Framework for Working Memory and SLA Research Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	79
7. Working Memory in L2 Acquisition and Processing: The P/E Model Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	91
8. Working Memory and Tasks in L2 Speech Performance Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	118
9. Working Memory and Language Aptitude in L2 Development Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	131
10. Conclusions and Implications for Future Research Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	146
References Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	156
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	183