Phonological memory and children's second language grammar learning

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
LEIF M. FRENCH ◽  
IRENA O'BRIEN
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Phonological Memory ◽  
Intensive English Program ◽  
Grammar Learning ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
Grammar Knowledge ◽  
Variance Explained ◽  
Grammar Development

ABSTRACTThis study examined the role of phonological memory in second language (L2) grammar learning in a group of native French-speaking children undergoing a 5-month intensive English program. Phonological memory (as referenced by Arabic [ANWR] and English [ENWR] nonword repetition tasks), L2 vocabulary (receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge), and L2 grammar (knowledge of morphosyntactic structures) were assessed during the first (Time 1) and last (Time 2) month of the program. After controlling for initial grammar ability, phonological memory significantly predicted grammar development (27.9% of variance explained) in addition to the contribution made by vocabulary knowledge (9.5% of variance explained). Although phonological memory ability as measured by ENWR increased between Time 1 and Time 2, ANWR did not improve. The findings show that phonological memory plays an important role in L2 grammar development that is unmediated by lexical knowledge. They also provide evidence that phonological memory improves with language development, but that basic phonological memory capacity (as measured by ANWR in this study) remains unchanged over time.

scholarly journals Context, word, and student predictors in second language vocabulary learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
EVELIEN MULDER ◽  
MARCO VAN DE VEN ◽  
ELIANE SEGERS ◽  
LUDO VERHOEVEN
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Levenshtein Distance ◽  
Context Word ◽  
Learning Gain ◽  
English Sentence ◽  
Contextual Support ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

ABSTRACTWe examined to what extent the variation in vocabulary learning outcomes (vocabulary knowledge, learning gain, and rate of forgetting) in English as a second language (L2) in context can be predicted from semantic contextual support, word characteristics (cognate status, Levenshtein distance, word frequency, and word length), and student characteristics (prior vocabulary knowledge, reading ability, and exposure to English) in 197 Dutch adolescents. Students were taught cognates, false friends, and control words through judging sentences with varying degrees of semantic contextual support using a pretest/posttest between subjects design. Participants were presented with an English target word and its Dutch translation, followed by an English sentence. They were instructed to judge the plausibility of the sentence. Mixed-efffects models indicated that learning gains were higher for sentences with more semantic contextual support and in students with stronger reading comprehension skills. We were the first to show that Levenshtein distance is an important predictor for L2 vocabulary learning outcomes. Furthermore, more accurate as well as faster learning task performance lead to higher learning outcomes. It can thus be concluded that L2 study materials containing semantically supportive contexts and that focus on words with little L1-L2 overlap are most effective for L2 vocabulary learning.

Phonological memory and lexical, narrative, and grammatical skills in second language oral production by adult learners

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
IRENA O'BRIEN ◽  
NORMAN SEGALOWITZ ◽  
JOE COLLENTINE ◽  
BARBARA FREED
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Narrative Development ◽  
Phonological Memory ◽  
Function Words ◽  
Grammatical Competence ◽  
Oral Production ◽  
Narrative Skills ◽  
Grammatical Skills ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Variance Explained

This study investigated the role of phonological memory (PM) in second language (L2) speech production by English-speaking adults who were learning Spanish. PM, operationalized as serial nonword recognition, and L2 lexical, narrative, and grammatical abilities from speech samples were assessed 13 weeks apart. After controlling for the amount of speech output, PM contributed significantly to the development of L2 narrative skills for less proficient participants (17.5% of variance explained) and to gains in correct use of function words for more proficient participants (15.7% of variance explained). These findings suggest that PM plays an important role in narrative development at earlier stages of L2 learning and in the acquisition of grammatical competence at later stages.

The Effects of Corpus Use on Second Language Vocabulary Learning: A Multilevel Meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 721-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hansol Lee ◽  
Mark Warschauer ◽  
Jang Ho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

Abstract This study investigates the effects of corpus use on second language (L2) vocabulary learning as well as the influence of moderators on effectiveness. Based on 29 studies representing 38 unique samples, all of which met several criteria for inclusion (e.g. with control groups), we found an overall positive medium-sized effect of corpus use on L2 vocabulary learning for both short-term (77 posttest effect sizes; Hedges’ g = 0.74, SE = 0.09, p < .001) and long-term periods (34 follow-up effect sizes; Hedges’ g = 0.64, SE = 0.17, p < .001). Furthermore, large variation in adjusted mean effect sizes across moderators was revealed. Above all, for the different dimensions of L2 vocabulary knowledge, in-depth knowledge (i.e. referential meanings as well as syntactic features of vocabulary) was associated with a large effect size. Moreover, the results revealed that learners’ L2 proficiency and several features of corpus use (i.e. interaction types, corpus types, training, and duration) influence the magnitude of the effectiveness of corpus use in improving L2 vocabulary learning.

scholarly journals A study of L2 vocabulary acquisition under incidental and intentional conditions

2020 ◽  
pp. 113-140
Author(s):  
Sarah Sok ◽  
ZhaoHong Han
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Incidental Learning ◽  
Word List ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
The Past ◽  
Incidental Condition ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

Vocabulary development is indisputably a vital aspect of second language acquisition. In spite of the abundant attention it has garnered over the past few decades, it remains unclear how adult learners fare with intentional and incidental ways of learning. The current study investigated the effects of intentional learning (via studying a word list), incidental learning (via reading), and combined intentional-andincidental learning (via studying a word list followed by reading) conditions on 30 adult learners’ second language vocabulary acquisition. Vocabulary acquisition was measured in terms of percentage gains as well as changes in the depth of vocabulary knowledge. Results showed that while both the intentional and incidental modes of learning led to vocabulary gains, the combined intentional-and-incidental condition resulted in significantly greater gains than either the intentional-only or the incidentalonly condition. No significant differences were found between the incidental-only and intentional-only conditions.

Investigating the role of vocabulary size in second language speaking ability

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Uchihara ◽  
Jon Clenton
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Expert Rating ◽  
L2 Speaking ◽  
Vocabulary Assessment ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

The current study investigates the extent to which receptive vocabulary size test scores can predict second language (L2) speaking ability. Forty-six international students with an advanced level of L2 proficiency completed a receptive vocabulary task (Yes/No test; Meara & Miralpeix, 2017) and a spontaneous speaking task (oral picture narrative). Elicited speech samples were submitted to expert rating based on speakers’ vocabulary features as well as lexical sophistication measures. Results indicate that vocabulary size was significantly associated with vocabulary rating. However, learners with large vocabulary sizes did not necessarily produce lexically sophisticated L2 words during speech. A closer examination of the data reveals complexities regarding the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and speaking. Based on these findings, we explore implications for L2 vocabulary assessment in classroom teaching contexts and provide important suggestions for future research on the vocabulary-and-speaking link.

scholarly journals The effects of dictionary use on second language vocabulary acquisition: A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Songshan Zhang ◽  
Hai Xu ◽  
Xian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Learning Condition ◽  
Moderator Variable ◽  
Lexical Unit ◽  
Language Research ◽  
Dictionary Use ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

Abstract This study reports on the results of a meta-analysis which investigates the effects of dictionary use on second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition, as well as the magnitude of the moderating effect of a number of moderator variables on the effectiveness of dictionary use in improving L2 vocabulary knowledge. A total of 125 effect sizes were gleaned from 44 studies, which represented 87 independent samples and included 3,475 participants. A random-effects model of the meta-analysis shows that the overall effect of dictionary use on L2 vocabulary acquisition is g = 2.10 (p &lt; .01) for within-group studies and g = 1.03 (p &lt; .01) for between-group studies respectively, which are both large in the domain of second language research. Subsequent moderator variable analysis reveals how treatment-related variables (timepoint, dictionary form, dictionary type, target lexical unit, vocabulary knowledge type, learning condition, and research setting), methodological variables (type of experimental design, presence of pretest, and assessment type), as well as learner-related variables (age and proficiency) might contribute to the variation across studies. Implications of the findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Word association research and the L2 lexicon

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-274
Author(s):  
Tess Fitzpatrick ◽  
Peter Thwaites
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Late Nineteenth Century ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Diverse Area ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
Future Work ◽  
New Phase

AbstractSince its modern inception in the late nineteenth century, research on word associations has developed into a large and diverse area of study, including work with both applied linguistic and psycholinguistic orientations. However, despite significant recent interest in the use of word association to investigate second language (L2) vocabulary knowledge and testing, there has until now been no systematic attempt to review the wider word association research tradition for the benefit of L2-oriented researchers and practitioners. This paper seeks to address this, drawing together linguistic research from the past 150 years, with a focus on research published since 2000. We evaluate the current state of L2 word association research, before identifying methodological and theoretical themes from a broader range of disciplinary approaches. Emerging from this, new paradigms are identified which have potential to catalyse a new phase of work for second language word association scholars, and which indicate priority foci for future work.

scholarly journals Review and Discussion of Learning Strategies of Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Bachiri Housseine ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
School System ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies ◽  
Vocabulary Growth ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

Learning second language (L2) vocabulary can be a challenge for L2 students. As researchers and TEFL practitioners, we perpetually strive to seek ways to help our students with necessary linguistic tools to be ultimately both productive and resourceful. Moroccan EFL students in L2 are able to use learning strategies, which are valued in the school system, in order to, among other things, expand their vocabulary knowledge for the purpose of being able to communicate verbally and non-verbally. It is complex, however, to determine to what extent these strategies are used. In fact, very few studies have emphasized vocabulary learning strategies. Therefore, this study is of interest to Moroccan university students so as to determine which strategies to use, how often, and whether their use has an impact on students’ vocabulary growth.

scholarly journals Individual Differences in Children’s (Language) Learning Skills Moderate Effects of Robot-Assisted Second Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rianne van den Berghe ◽  
Ora Oudgenoeg-Paz ◽  
Josje Verhagen ◽  
Susanne Brouwer ◽  
Mirjam de Haas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Word Knowledge ◽  
Phonological Memory ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Experimental Conditions

The current study investigated how individual differences among children affect the added value of social robots for teaching second language (L2) vocabulary to young children. Specifically, we investigated the moderating role of three individual child characteristics deemed relevant for language learning: first language (L1) vocabulary knowledge, phonological memory, and selective attention. We expected children low in these abilities to particularly benefit from being assisted by a robot in a vocabulary training. An L2 English vocabulary training intervention consisting of seven sessions was administered to 193 monolingual Dutch five-year-old children over a three- to four-week period. Children were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: 1) a tablet only, 2) a tablet and a robot that used deictic (pointing) gestures (the no-iconic-gestures condition), or 3) a tablet and a robot that used both deictic and iconic gestures (i.e., gestures depicting the target word; the iconic-gestures condition). There also was a control condition in which children did not receive a vocabulary training, but played dancing games with the robot. L2 word knowledge was measured directly after the training and two to four weeks later. In these post-tests, children in the experimental conditions outperformed children in the control condition on word knowledge, but there were no differences between the three experimental conditions. Several moderation effects were found. The robot’s presence particularly benefited children with larger L1 vocabularies or poorer phonological memory, while children with smaller L1 vocabularies or better phonological memory performed better in the tablet-only condition. Children with larger L1 vocabularies and better phonological memory performed better in the no-iconic-gestures condition than in the iconic-gestures condition, while children with better selective attention performed better in the iconic-gestures condition than the no-iconic-gestures condition. Together, the results showed that the effects of the robot and its gestures differ across children, which should be taken into account when designing and evaluating robot-assisted L2 teaching interventions.

scholarly journals Second Language Vocabulary Learning from Viewing Video in an EFL Classroom

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Rattana Yawiloeng
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Multimedia Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Auditory Information ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Post Test ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
L1 And L2

This study examines the effects of an English vocabulary video on second language vocabulary learning by English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. The conceptual framework is underpinned by Mayer&rsquo;s (2005) Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. The participants were 25 undergraduate students studying at a Thai university. To collect data, five types of research instruments were utilized including a survey of English vocabulary knowledge, pre-test, post-test, the English vocabulary video, and a questionnaire. The findings of this study revealed an increase in the post-test scores after the Thai EFL learners engaged in learning second language (L2) vocabulary using an English vocabulary video. Moreover, the findings also uncovered that the EFL learners gained L2 vocabulary knowledge after viewing the video containing first language (L1) and L2 captions, images, and L2 audios which are relevant to the target words. Furthermore, the results revealed that the EFL students preferred learning L2 vocabulary via video containing both L1 and L2 captions, interesting and related images, and the proper volume of audios. Therefore, the significant findings of this study lead to theoretical and pedagogical implications regarding the significant role of multimedia learning in terms of the links between visual and auditory information.

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