Stages of Acquisition and the P/E Model of Working Memory: Complementary or contrasting approaches to foreign language aptitude?

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 6-24
Author(s):  
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen ◽  
Peter Skehan
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Pattern Identification ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Aptitude Testing ◽  
Input Processing ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude

AbstractThis paper explores the roles of both working memory (WM) and more traditional aptitude components, such as input processing and language analytic ability in the context of foreign language learning aptitude. More specifically, the paper compares two current perspectives on language aptitude: the Stages Approach (Skehan, 2016, 2019) and the P/E Model (Wen, 2016, 2019). Input processing and noticing, pattern identification and complexification, and feedback are examined as they relate to both perspectives and are then used to discuss existing aptitude testing, recent research, and broader theoretical issues. It is argued that WM and language aptitude play different but complementary roles at each of these stages, reflecting the various linguistic and psycholinguistic processes that are most prominent in other aspects of language learning. Overall, though both perspectives posit that WM and language aptitude have equal importance at the input processing stage, they exert greater influence at each of the remaining stages. More traditional views of aptitude dominate at the pattern identification and complexification stage and WM with the feedback stage.

Aptitude for learning a foreign language

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 90-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Sparks ◽  
Leonore Ganschow
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude ◽  
Affective Variables ◽  
Language Variables

What has happened with the construct of foreign language aptitude since 1990, at which time symposium participants from around the world agreed that the "Time has come to rethink the notion of what constitutes aptitude to learn foreign languages?" To answer this question, we begin with a review of studies on foreign language aptitude and its measurement prior to 1990. We then describe research and thinking in the 1990s in several areas, including affective variables; language learning strategies; learning styles as contributors to aptitude; and aptitude as a cognitive construct affected by language variables. Next, we review research on individual differences in language learners and the importance of phonological/orthographic processing for foreign language learning. Finally, we suggest new directions for research in foreign language aptitude.

scholarly journals UZBEKISTAN MOD FOREIGN LANGUAGE APTITUDE TEST: A CRITICAL EVALUATION

2019 ◽  
pp. 138-151
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Language Programs ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude ◽  
Foreign Language Programs

Globalization has entailed a growth in importance of the second/foreign language teaching and learning all over the world with the number of both voluntary and involuntary language learners increasing on daily basis. There is, however,a widely attested discrepancy in actual results achieved by those engaged in second/foreign language learning usually explained by means of invocation of a specialized talent that certain individuals have, whilst others lack. Such a talent is thought to be measurable and the results obtained are regarded as valid predictors of success for intensive foreign language programs. The present article deals with critical appraisal of one of such instruments in terms of both its theoretical and practical validity. A number of points to be addressed for the purpose of the instrument improvement are demonstrated via referral to both basic statistic techniques and scientific consensus in the field of language learning aptitude research.

scholarly journals ROLA PAMIĘCI ROBOCZEJ W NAUCE JĘZYKA OBCEGO I WIELOJĘZYCZNOŚCI

Neofilolog ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 205-218
Author(s):  
Adriana Biedroń
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Developmental Psychology ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Treatment Interaction ◽  
Definition Of

Working memory is now one of the most frequently studied individual differences in various fields of science, including cognitive and developmental psychology, neuroscience, and second language acquisition. It affects cognitive functioning, including all aspects of learning a foreign language, and its deficits severely impair learning outcomes. This article focuses on practical application of this knowledge (see Gregersen & MacIntyre, 2014) in a language classroom. To this end, we first present a definition of a working memory and its components altogether with their relevance for various areas of foreign language learning. This is followed by a review of research on linguistically gifted individuals, polyglots, and savants as well as bilinguals from the perspective of memory aptitude. The last section offers some pedagogical implications, such as aptitude-treatment interaction and working memory training. The article ends with suggestions for further research in this area.

The Influence of Working Memory on Second Language Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1819
Author(s):  
Yanan Guo
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
The Individual

The learning ability of a foreign language means the tendency people present when studying a second language. It is already accepted abroad that the learning capacity of a foreign language is one of the factors to predict the individual differences of the language learning results. Working memory is the important concept of cognitive psychology, and has great influence on many aspects of language learning (vocabulary acquisition, language understanding, language performance, reading comprehension and so on). So working memory is regarded as the important element of learning ability of a foreign language. As to the research at home so far, the concentration has been purely on academic reasoning as well as the introduction to research abroad during a selected period. The author of the paper is, having experimented with the psychological research mode, trying to analyze the individual differences in the foreign language learning because of their working memory which affects their vocabulary acquisition.

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