THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEMORY CAPACITY AND VOCABULARY ACQUISITION
Keywords:
memory capacity, vocabulary acquisition, working memory, second language learning, lexical retentionAbstract
Vocabulary acquisition is a fundamental component of second language learning, and memory capacity plays a crucial role in how effectively learners store, retain, and retrieve new lexical items. This article explores the relationship between working memory, long-term memory, and vocabulary learning success in second language acquisition. The study synthesizes findings from cognitive psychology and applied linguistics, showing that individuals with higher memory capacity generally demonstrate faster vocabulary learning and better retention. However, vocabulary acquisition is also influenced by factors such as repetition, context, motivation, and learning strategies. The paper concludes that memory capacity is a strong predictor but not the sole determinant of vocabulary learning success.
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