Working memory capacity in L2 processing

Abstract

In this paper, we review the current state of the second language (L2) processing literature and report data suggesting that this subfield should now turn its attention to working memory capacity as an important factor modulating the possibility of (near)-native-like L2 processing. We first review three major overarching accounts of L2 processing (Clahsen et al. 2006a Performance similarities between non-native and native speakers. Lingua 120. 901-931) and frame their predictions in terms of the qualitative and quantitative differences in processing expected between native speakers and L2 learners. We next review event-related potential (ERP) research on L2 processing and argue that the field's current understanding of qualitative and quantitative differences in ERPs warrants an additional focus on variables other than L2 proficiency that can also predict individual differences in L2 processing. Recent L2 research (relying on ERPs, self-paced reading, and other online measures) suggests that the most promising such variable is working memory (WM) capacity. We summarize results from our recent L2 WM studies -and report new ERP findings -that point to the possibility of a modulatory effect of WM capacity on the nativelikeness of L2 processing. We conclude that the study of WM capacity is the logical next step for this L2 processing subfield.

Quantificational Cues Modulate the Processing of English Subject-Verb Agreement by Native Chinese Speakers

“…Regarding WM, some recent evidence has shown that WM capacity has a positive relationship with nativelike sensitivity to both L2 agreement violations (Coughlin & Tremblay, 2013) and L2 processing more generally (Linck, Osthus, Koeth, & Bunting, 2014; McDonald, 2006; Miyake & Friedman, 1998; Reichle, Tremblay, & Coughlin, 2016). We might therefore expect similar associations between participants’ WM capacity and the experimental variables as we predicted for proficiency: larger P600 effects, indexing greater sensitivity to L2 agreement violations, and a modulation of the interaction with quantification to resemble the monolingual English speakers’ effect with higher WM capacity.…”

Reassessing second language reading comprehension: Insights from the psycholinguistics notion of sentence processing

“…Studies have then verified this notion as they found that proficient L2 processors which demonstrate nativelikeness in L2 sentence processing appear to possess high working memory capacity, while the opposite is observed in L2 processors with lower working memory capacity (Coughlin & Tremblay, 2013;Hopp, 2014;Reichle & Birdsong, 2014;Roberts, 2012). Further studies apparently show that the contribution of working memory to L2 sentence processing is not only through its indirect influence on proficiency, but also its own immediate effect on L2 sentence processing (Juffs, 2015;Linck et al, 2014;Reichle et al, 2016). The discussions address the mechanism of holding and refining working interpretation in short-term memory while continuously processing inputted information to achieve a plausible interpretation.…”

“…It is also worthy of notice that there are a few exceptions where other linguistic information may dominate initial syntactic parsing, as in the case of L2 sentence processing (Clahsen & Felser, 2006a, 2006b, and individual differences in proficiency and working memory (Cunnings, 2017;Hopp, 2014;Nakano, Saron, & Swaab, 2010;Reichle, Tremblay, & Coughlin, 2016). These exceptions will be discussed later in their own dedicated section since they might hold some key insights for the L2 sentence comprehension.…”

“…As multiple studies begin to establish proficiency as a significant variable which modulates nativelikeness in L2 sentence processing, researchers recall how L2 proficiency development is positively associated with working memory (Juffs & Harrington, 2011;Linck & Weiss, 2011;Martin & Ellis, 2012;Williams, 2013). Working memory is described as a system in charge of reserving certain information in short-term memory while other ongoing tasks are performed (Reichle et al, 2016). In the case of sentence processing, this reserved information refers to the building up interpretation while processors are actively parsing and confirming information to arrive at a plausible final interpretation.…”

The Effect of Ambiguity Awareness on Second Language Learners’ Prosodic Disambiguation

“…By contrast, studies with ERPs and other online measures have provided evidence that L2 learners may show the native-like processing patterns if their L2 proficiency is sufficiently high. The L1–L2 differences may be attributed to their L2 proficiency and cognitive resources ( Just and Carpenter, 1992 ; Hopp, 2006 , 2014 ; Steinhauer, 2006 ; Jackson and Dussias, 2009 ; Steinhauer et al, 2009 ; Roberts, 2012 ; Witzel et al, 2012 ; Reichle et al, 2016 ; Nickels and Steinhauer, 2018 ).…”