Schedule StuTS 70

In this presentation, I want to talk about the role of Working Memory in Second Language Acquisition and give insights into the research conducted for my Bachelor's thesis. I will present how individual differences research based on the recent Phonological/Executive Model of Z. Wen might help to find answers to the question “Why are some people better at learning a language than others?”

In second language acquisition, as in many other complex cognitive processes, the Working Memory - a system of short-term storage and online manipulation plays an important role. It seems reasonable to suppose that individual differences in learners Working Memory functions may help explain why some people are better at learning a language than others. Even though a large amount of research has already found that better Working Memory functions predict better vocabulary and grammar learning, individual differences research in this area and investigations of how single components relate to learning outcomes is still scarce.

This talks will give a short overview on theoretical foundations of Working Memory focusing on the very recent Phonological/Executive Model by Z. Wen and the connection with the concept of Language Aptitude. For purposes of illustration, I will present parts of research conducted for my Bachelor’s thesis where I investigated the relationship between individual differences in Working Memory and early-stage adult language learning, using data from the DAFNET study at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig. I would be happy to discuss open questions and issues for further research in cognitive Second Language Acquisition research with the audience.

Info

Day: 2021-11-19
Start time: 13:30
Duration: 00:30
Room: 👾
Track: Neuro- and Psycholinguistics
Language: en

Links:

• iCalendar

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