The influence of working memory on vocabulary learning

Abstract

Language is a vital tool that allows people not only to communicate their thoughts, feelings or ideas but also to create and project their identity. Language is knowledge, and therefore, it is a key element for this increasingly globalised world, where acquiring a second or a third language entails a competitive advantage when compared to people who only speak their mother tongue. According to Bialystok (2009), bilingualism may affect other types of learning beyond the language system, leading to more development in cognitive abilities and flexibility in learning in general.