Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and Processing

Zhisheng Wen editor Mailce Borges Mota editor Arthur McNeill editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Channel View Publications Ltd

Published:1st May '15

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Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and Processing cover

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! -- Peter Robinson, Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan Working memory is currently a topic of very high importance in second language research. This valuable volume contains state of the art contributions from both respected, established figures and up and coming scholars. It will be read with interest and profit by scholars in the field. -- Alison Mackey, Georgetown University, USA

This book offers a discussion of theoretical and methodological issues concerning the pivotal role of working memory in second language learning and processing. It includes theoretical chapters, empirical studies providing original data and new insights into the topic, and commentary chapters which chart the course for future research.

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.

Overall, the volume is successful in fulfilling its editors’ aims, i.e. to provide a forum for dialogue between SLA and WM research and to further integrate the two fields. The diversity and reach of the field is amply demonstrated by the range of empirical bases it covers. By including a range of opinions on how to move the WM–SLA field forward, the volume can serve as inspiration for future research programs, thus contributing to the already highly dynamic interface between WM and SLA research.

-- Tom Rankin, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria * Second Language Research, 1– 11, 2016 *

The editors have done an impressive job of gathering the biggest names from the fields of cognitive psychology and SLA to present a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this field, as well as have created a discussion forum on the SLA-WM relationship.

-- Adriana Biedroń, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Poland * Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching 5 (4). 2015. 697-713 *

The collection has synthesized and compiled a diversified body of research on WM and its relation to SLA supported by accessible writing styles. Many readers would appreciate that the volume provides an overview of theoretical WM models and empirical studies that are well elaborated by interesting background information, through which the readers come to understand the complex L2 processing strategies, cognitive processes, their measurements in L1 and L2 research, feedback type and L2 self-repair behavior. Combining a range of the theoretical and methodological innovation of WM-SLA research is a particular strength of the volume. As such, this book would be a valuable reference for readers in areas such as cognitive psychology, theoretical linguistics, and education, especially those engaging with topics related to L2 syntactic structures, vocabulary, L2 proficiency, and speech and writing studies.

-- Asmaa Shehata, University of Calgary, Canada * LINGUIST List 27.1512, 20

ISBN: 9781783093588

Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 24mm

Weight: 689g

344 pages