Short-and long-term memory determinants of novel word form learning

Abstract

It is widely assumed that a strong positive link exists between memory and vocabulary development. Nevertheless, the exact involvement of short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) is poorly understood. STM for serial order information is argued to play a crucial role in temporarily maintaining and refreshing the order of phonemes representing novel word forms. LTM for serial order information, in contrast, is involved in the consolidation of phoneme sequences into unitary word form representations. Here, we tested 131 6-year-old children on tasks that targeted STM for serial order versus item information, on a Hebb repetition task targeting long-term serial order learning, and on a paired-associate novel word learning task. Bayesian analyses revealed a strong correlation between STM for serial order information, and both the initial and final stages of word form learning. LTM was associated with the final stages of word form learning. These findings are discussed in light of existing theories about the role of memory in language.