Interference-based and capacity-based approaches to working
memory in second language sentence processing
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.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Working memory in L2 sentence processing
- 2.1Capacity-based approaches to L2 sentence processing
- 2.2Interference-based approaches to L2 sentence
processing
- 3.Characterising and measuring L2 individual differences
- 3.1Memory capacity in L2 processing
- 3.2Memory interference in L2 processing
- 3.3Retrieval cues in processing and acquisition
- 3.4Task performance and characterising individual
differences
- 4.Conclusion
-
Notes
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References