Author: Elvira Sanatullova-Allison, Oklahoma State University, United States of America
Email: elvira.allison@okstate.edu
Published: October 2014
https://doi.org/10.22492/ijll.1.1.02
Citation: Sanatullova-Allison, E. (2014). Memory Retention in Second Language Acquisition and Instruction: Insights from Literature and Research. IAFOR Journal of Language Learning, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.22492/ijll.1.1.02
Abstract
This article reviews some essential theoretical and empirical research literature that discusses the role of memory in second language acquisition and instruction. Two models of literature review – thematic and study-by-study – were used to analyze and synthesize the existing research. First, issues of memory retention in second language acquisition (e.g., attention and awareness, explicit and implicit language learning and knowledge) are investigated. Second, instructional approaches conducive to memory retention in second language acquisition (e.g., incidental vocabulary learning, grammar processing instruction, focus on form method) are examined. Additionally, created by the author with the Inspiration software program, a literature map of the reviewed and additional research related to the topic is presented in the Appendix for reader’s reference.
Keywords
memory, memory retention, second language acquisition, second language instruction