THE ROLE OF MEMORY IN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Keywords:
language acquisition, memory, working memory, long-term memory, cognitive processes, vocabulary acquisition, grammar learning, psycholinguistics.Abstract
Language acquisition is a highly complex and dynamic cognitive process that involves multiple mental mechanisms, among which memory plays a central and indispensable role. This study aims to investigate the role of different types of memory—working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory—in the process of acquiring a second or foreign language. The research focuses on how memory systems influence vocabulary acquisition, grammatical development, and communicative competence. A qualitative research approach is employed, relying on a comprehensive analysis of existing scholarly literature in the fields of cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and language pedagogy.[1] The findings reveal that memory is not merely a passive storage system but an active mechanism that facilitates the encoding, retention, and retrieval of linguistic information. The study also demonstrates that individuals with higher memory capacity tend to achieve greater proficiency in language learning. Furthermore, the research highlights the pedagogical implications of memory in language education, emphasizing the importance of integrating memory-enhancing strategies such as repetition, meaningful interaction, and contextual learning into teaching practices. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of cognitive processes in language acquisition and offers practical recommendations for improving language learning outcomes.
[1] Ellis, 2005; Lightbown & Spada, 2013; Baddeley, 2003.
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