Working memory, language processing, and implications of malleability for second language acquisition

2016 ◽  
pp. 69-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Tsai ◽  
Jacky Au ◽  
Susanne M. Jaeggi
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing

scholarly journals Maturational Constraints on the Recruitment of Early Processes for Syntactic Processing

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2752-2765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Pakulak ◽  
Helen J. Neville
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Syntactic Processing ◽  
Neural Organization ◽  
Anterior Negativity

An enduring question in the study of second-language acquisition concerns the relative contributions of age of acquisition (AOA) and ultimate linguistic proficiency to neural organization for second-language processing. Several ERP and neuroimaging studies of second-language learners have found that neural organization for syntactic processing is sensitive to delays in second-language acquisition. However, such delays in second-language acquisition are typically associated with lower language proficiency, rendering it difficult to assess whether differences in AOA or proficiency lead to these effects. Here we examined the effects of delayed second-language acquisition while controlling for proficiency differences by examining participants who differ in AOA but who were matched for proficiency in the same language. We compared the ERP response to auditory English phrase structure violations in a group of late learners of English matched for grammatical proficiency with a group of English native speakers. In the native speaker group, violations elicited a bilateral and prolonged anterior negativity, with onset at 100 msec, followed by a posterior positivity (P600). In contrast, in the nonnative speaker group, violations did not elicit the early anterior negativity, but did elicit a P600 which was more widespread spatially and temporally than that of the native speaker group. These results suggest that neural organization for syntactic processing is sensitive to delays in language acquisition independently of proficiency level. More specifically, they suggest that both early and later syntactic processes are sensitive to maturational constraints. These results also suggest that late learners who reach a high level of second-language proficiency rely on different neural mechanisms than native speakers of that language.

Relative clause preference in learners of Chinese as a second language

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Qiang ◽  
Guo Xiaoyu ◽  
Yao Yiru ◽  
Nicole Müller
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Relative Clause ◽  
Relative Clauses ◽  
Chinese Subject ◽  
Reading Experiment ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Universal Rule

AbstractIt has been debated whether preference for subject-extracted relative clauses in language processing is a universal rule, with evidence from both first and second language acquisition studies. But very few studies focus on learners of Chinese as a second language. The current research studied Chinese subject/object-extracted relative clauses processing among the learners of Chinese as a second language by a self-paced reading experiment. The results demonstrate a faster and more accurate processing of subject-extracted relative clauses in both subject and object modifying conditions, adding more evidence to the universal preference for the subject-extracted relative clauses. Both Frequency-Based Accounts and Memory-Based Accounts are discussed related to the current findings.

Stranger in Paradigm

Target ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Shlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Translation Theory ◽  
Simultaneous Interpreting ◽  
Object Of Study ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract Simultaneous interpreting holds rich potential for research whose results may shed light not only on the workings of this composite skill itself but also on other areas of study, including language processing, second language acquisition, mediated linguistic interaction, textlinguistics and translation theory. As more and more interpreters are university trained, the interest in less intuitive, more rigorous studies is bound to grow. This article explores potential interdisciplinary paradigms, the premise being that they will gradually evolve towards meeting the specific requirements of interpretation as an object of study.

Psycholinguistic techniques in second language acquisition research

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Marinis
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Online Experiments ◽  
Second Language Processing ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Financial Costs ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Selection Of

This article presents the benefits of using online methodologies in second language acquisition (SLA) research. It provides a selection of online experiments that have been widely used in first and second language processing studies that are suitable for SLA research and most importantly discusses the hardware and software packages and other equipment required for the setting-up of a psycholinguistics laboratory, the advantages and disadvantages of the software packages available and what financial costs are involved. The aim of the article is to inspire researchers in second language acquisition to embark on research using online methodologies.

scholarly journals FREQUENCY EFFECTS AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

2002 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Gass ◽  
Alison Mackey
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Speech Processing ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Frequency Effects ◽  
Input And Output ◽  
Target Article ◽  
Processing Language

In this response to Ellis's target article on frequency in language processing, language use, and language acquisition, we argue in favor of a role for frequency in several areas of second language acquisition, including interactional input and output and speech processing. We also discuss areas where second language acquisition appears to proceed along its own route and at its own pace regardless of the frequency of the input, as well as areas where input is infrequent but acquisition appears to be unimpeded. Our response is intended to highlight the complexity of the task of deciphering the role and importance of frequency.

scholarly journals Does Critical Period Affect Bilingual Advantage for Working Memory and Metacognition?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Kexuan Huang
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Bilingual Advantage ◽  
Experience Questionnaire

There have been many studies exploring the advantages that bilingualism confers to individuals’ working memory and metacognition (see Ransdell, 2006; Del Missier et al., 2010). The hypothesis of language critical period states that if no language learning and teaching happen during the critical period, an individual will never be able to fully grasp any language to a full extent (Fromkin et al., 1974). This study investigates whether late bilingualism (second language acquisition after the critical period) will positively affect a person’s working memory and metacognition just like early bilingualism (second language acquisition before the critical period) does. Sixty Chinese persons between the ages of 18 and 35 participated in my online experimental protocol, including a language experience questionnaire, a reading comprehension exam, and a reading span task. I found that late bilingualism poses a similar advantage to an individual’s working memory as early bilingualism, while it negatively affects an individual’s metacognitive awareness of their own language ability. 

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