Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and Processing

Edited by Zhisheng (Edward) Wen, Mailce Borges Mota, Dr. Arthur McNeill

Publication date:

01 May 2015

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

234x156mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781783093588

This unique volume offers a comprehensive discussion of essential theoretical and methodological issues concerning the pivotal role of working memory in second language learning and processing. The collection opens with a foreword and introductory theoretical chapters written by leading figures in the field of cognitive psychology. Following these are three research sections containing chapters providing original data and innovative insights into the dynamic and complex relationships between working memory and specific areas of second language processing, instruction, performance and development. Each section concludes with a commentary which is written by a noted SLA researcher and which charts the course for future research. This book provides a fascinating collection of perspectives on the relationship between working memory and second language learning and will appeal to those interested in the integration of cognitive psychology with SLA research.

Acknowledgements
Notes on Contributors
Foreword: Michael Bunting & Randall Engle
Zhisheng Wen, Mailce Borges Mota and Arthur McNeill: Introduction and Overview
Part I: Theoretical Perspectives and Models
1. Alan Baddeley: Working Memory in Second Language Learning
2. Nelson Cowan: Second-Language Use, Theories of Working Memory, and the Vennian Mind
3. Zhisheng Wen: Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and Processing: The Phonological/Executive Model
4. Yanping Dong and Rendong Cai: Working Memory and Interpreting: A Commentary on Theoretical Models
Part II: Working Memory in L2 Processing
5. Sun-A Kim, Kiel Christianson and Jerome Packard: Working Memory in L2 Character Processing: The Case of Learning to Read Chinese
6. Yuncai Dai: Working Memory in L2 Sentence Processing: The Case with Relative Clause Attachment
7. Alan Juffs: Working Memory and Sentence Processing: A Commentary
Part III: Working Memory in L2 Interaction and Performance
8. Shaofeng Li: Working Memory, Language Analytical Ability and L2 Recasts
9. Mohammad Javad Ahmadian: Working Memory, Online Planning and L2 Self-Repair Behavior
10. Yanbin Lu: Working Memory, Cognitive Resources and L2 Written Performance
11. Peter Skehan: Working Memory and Second Language Performance: A Commentary
Part IV: Working Memory in L2 Instruction and Development
12. Kindra Santamaria and Gretchen Sunderman: Working Memory in Processing Instruction: The Acquisition of L2 French Clitic
13. Kaitlyn Tagarelli, Mailce Borges Mota and Patrick Rebuschat: Working Memory, Learning Conditions and L2 Syntax Acquisition
14. Melissa Baralt: Working Memory, Cognitive Complexity and L2 Recasts in Online Language Teaching
15. Anne E. Mitchell, Scott Jarvis, Michelle O’Malley and Irina Konstantinova : Working Memory Measures and L2 Proficiency
16. Clare Wright: Working Memory and L2 Development across the Life Span: A Commentary
Part V: Final Commentary
17. John Williams: Working Memory in SLA Research: Challenges and Prospects
Index

Exploring relationships between Working Memory and SLA, this book is an invaluable resource, featuring chapters by leading theorists and a range of insightful empirical studies of second language acquisition and processing. Stimulating and essential reading which deepens current understanding of SLA, and which is bound to prompt future research!