Interference-based and capacity-based approaches to working memory in second language sentence processing
-
Ian Cunnings
Abstract
The role that working memory may play in explaining potential differences between native and non-native sentence processing has been increasingly debated. In this chapter, I discuss how the conceptualisation of working memory is crucial to our understanding of its role in second language processing. In particular, I compare capacity-based approaches that focus on working memory resources and interference-based approaches that focus on memory encoding and retrieval. After reviewing evidence for both approaches to working memory, I argue that interference-based accounts provide a promising approach for examining the role of working memory in second language processing. Although I focus on non-native sentence processing, I also touch on related issues in second language acquisition.
Abstract
The role that working memory may play in explaining potential differences between native and non-native sentence processing has been increasingly debated. In this chapter, I discuss how the conceptualisation of working memory is crucial to our understanding of its role in second language processing. In particular, I compare capacity-based approaches that focus on working memory resources and interference-based approaches that focus on memory encoding and retrieval. After reviewing evidence for both approaches to working memory, I argue that interference-based accounts provide a promising approach for examining the role of working memory in second language processing. Although I focus on non-native sentence processing, I also touch on related issues in second language acquisition.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- Introduction 1
-
L2 acquisition of syntax
- Intervention effects in L1 and L2 English raising 11
- Explaining the difficulty with L2 acquisition of scope interpretation by speakers of a scope-rigid language 41
- Definiteness and argument position in the interpretation of bare nouns 67
- L1-Mandarin L2-English learners’ acquisition of English double-quantifier scope 93
-
L2 acquisition at interfaces
- Feature dependency and the poverty of the stimulus in the acquisition of L2 German plural allomorphy 117
- Development of L2 prosody 137
- Transfer of prosodic representation 157
-
Impact of previously learned languages
- The role of L1 Norwegian and L2 English in the acquisition of verb placement in L3 German 191
- Feature reconfiguration at the syntax-discourse interface 213
-
Exploring extra-linguistic factors and their impact on L2 acquisition
- Interference-based and capacity-based approaches to working memory in second language sentence processing 243
- Heritage language speakers inform the critical period hypothesis for first and second language acquisition 265
- A different type of RC attachment resolution 287
- Subject Index 315
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments vii
- Introduction 1
-
L2 acquisition of syntax
- Intervention effects in L1 and L2 English raising 11
- Explaining the difficulty with L2 acquisition of scope interpretation by speakers of a scope-rigid language 41
- Definiteness and argument position in the interpretation of bare nouns 67
- L1-Mandarin L2-English learners’ acquisition of English double-quantifier scope 93
-
L2 acquisition at interfaces
- Feature dependency and the poverty of the stimulus in the acquisition of L2 German plural allomorphy 117
- Development of L2 prosody 137
- Transfer of prosodic representation 157
-
Impact of previously learned languages
- The role of L1 Norwegian and L2 English in the acquisition of verb placement in L3 German 191
- Feature reconfiguration at the syntax-discourse interface 213
-
Exploring extra-linguistic factors and their impact on L2 acquisition
- Interference-based and capacity-based approaches to working memory in second language sentence processing 243
- Heritage language speakers inform the critical period hypothesis for first and second language acquisition 265
- A different type of RC attachment resolution 287
- Subject Index 315
