Serial order memory, attentional control and the learning of English expert words by native Cantonese speakers

Abstract

Past research has shown a strong association between phonological short-term memory and vocabulary learning in first (L1) and second (L2) language. Recent studies are also suggestive of a role for attention in vocabulary learning. This study examines the role of memory for serial order and attentional control in the learning of English expert words among Cantonese native speakers. Participants were freshman students in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Hong Kong. There were 2 phases of data collection. In Phase 1, expert word learning (via a lexical decision task), attentional control, verbal STM, general cognitive ability, visuo-spatial memory, and general language knowledge were assessed. In Phase 2, expert word learning was re-assessed. The results indicated that serial order memory was the strongest predictor of L2 expert word learning followed by the number of hours exposed to academic materials. Suggestive associations were also observed between attentional control and short term memory measures and between attentional control and a measure of word learning.