"SLA Reconceptualized from a Working Memory Perspective: The P/E Model." Paper presented at The 5th International Conference on English, Discourse and Intercultural Communication (EDIC). 2nd -5th June, 2015. Macao Polytechnic Institute, MACAU (original) (raw)

SLA Reconceptualized from a Working Memory Perspective: The P/E Model WEN Zhisheng Edward Macao Polytechnic Institute The current paper aims to tease out the elusive role played by the cognitive construct of working memory (WM) in first and second language learning. Towards this end, it draws on established literatures in second language acquisition (SLA) and cognitive sciences to propose an integrative framework for conceptualizing and assessing WM as it relates to various aspects/domains of second language learning and processing. The central tenet of the so-called integrated WM-SLA model (i.e., the Phonological/Executive Model; Wen, 2015a & 2015b) lies in its postulation that the phonological component of working memory (PSTM) plays an instrumental role in acquisitional and developmental aspects of SLA (subsuming L2 lexis, formulaic sequences and morpho-syntactic constructions); while its control and executive component (EWM) mainly mediates some attention-oriented and real-time performance areas of L2 listening, speaking, reading, writing, and interpreting. Overall, it is argued that, when the two most directly implicated WM components (i.e. PSTM and EWM) are thus pinned down and their associated functions/mechanisms further aligned with specific SLA domains and processes, we can proceed to formulate novel, specific and testable hypotheses regarding their intricate relationships. Bio-Note: WEN Zhisheng (Edward) is currently an Associate Professor at Macao Polytechnic Institute. Over the decade, Dr. Wen has lectured, researched and published in applied linguistics, SLA and psycholinguistics. Other than paper publications in Xiandai Waiyu (2005 & 2007), the ELT Journal (2012), InJAL (2012), AJELT (2013) and Language Teaching (2014 & 2016), his recent publications also include a research monograph (“Working memory and second language learning”; 2015) and an edited volume (“Working memory in second language acquisition and processing”, 2015) both published by Multilingual Matters. Dr. Wen is a recipient and convener of the prestigious 2012 Language Learning Roundtable on “Memory and SLA” . Contact: Email: wenzhisheng@hotmail.com Tel: 853-85996389