Phonological Memory and Implications for the Second Language Classroom

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that phonological memory (PM), a sub-component of working memory, is closely related to various aspects of second language (L2) learning in a variety of populations, suggesting that PM may be an essential cognitive mechanism underlying successful L2 acquisition. This article provides a brief critical review of the role of PM in the L2 context, examines the issue of trainability associated with PM, and discusses pedagogical techniques that may facilitate or enhance PM function in the L2 classroom. Communicative classrooms, as a result of their emphasis on oral input, place heavy processing demands on PM. The authors argue that more recourse to audio-lingual activities and reliance on written and visual support, including text-supported oral input, may help to offset the burden on PM and enhance L2 learning, particularly for individuals with low PM capacity.