The role of working memory and selective attention on language learning and Comprehension.

Abstract

Language has been considerably dealt with in the field of cognitive psychology. The learning of a foreign language varies from other types of learning since it involves a complex interaction of cognitive factors. Intensive studies have been conducted to investigate the Working memory as an essential component in cognitive tasks giving that it enables individuals to hold, manipulate and retrieve information. Selective Attention, the ability to filter the inputs in the human brain is assumed an effective factor, as is working memory. To go beyond this and further explore the issue of whether the language learning and comprehension are limited by the proficiency level or by the capacity of these factors; this quantitative correlational study is planned to establish whether a relationship exists between working memory and selective attention. Above and beyond, this study paid more attention to underline the effect and role of both variables on language processing, viewing that learning a foreign language is an active process. Results indicate that working memory and selective attention are positively associated and that learning happens to rely on the capacity and the ability of both where they play an essential part in the processing and the comprehending of foreign language. The present research opened doors for several studies to be explored in the future. It is an attempt to revive the use of technology in language learning and computer based abilities/capacities testing techniques.