工作记忆容量限制对二语学习者口语产出的影响

Working memory constraints on L2 learners' speech production

本研究考察工作记忆容量对二语学习者口语产出的影响。研究对象是120名非英语专业中国大学生,工作记忆容量采用口语广度测试测量,二语口语产出从流利度、准确度和复杂度三个方面加以评估。统计分析结果显示,工作记忆容量与二语口语流利度和准确度显著相关,但与口语复杂度不存在显著相关,这说明工作记忆容量是制约二语口语产出的重要认知机制。统计分析结果还表明工作记忆容量对二语口语流利度的制约作用随着二语水平的提高而降低,这是因为随着二语水平的提升,口语产出编码自动化程度提高,对工作记忆资源的需求降低。

This study investigated the relationship between working memory capacity and L2 learners' speech production.120 non-English majors at a Chinese university participated in the study.Their working memory capacity was assessed by means of the Speaking Span Test,and L2 speech production was measured in terms of fluency,accuracy and complexity.Statistical analyses revealed that their working memory capacity correlated significantly with fluency and accuracy,but not with complexity in L2 speech production,which indicates that working memory capacity is an important cognitive mechanism constraining L2 learners' speech production.Statistical analyses also revealed that the constraints of working memory capacity on L2 speech fluency decreased with the increase of L2 proficiency,which is explained in terms of increased automaticity in encoding processes in speech production as a result of improved L2 proficiency.