Working Memory and Language in the Modular Mind

The book explores the relationship between working memory and modularity, focusing on how information is used in the mind and how this process can be characterized. It suggests that the mind is made up of distinct units, each carrying out a specialized function, and examines how this relates to working memory. The ideas are illustrated and further developed through an application to language and second language acquisition and use.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into two fundamental aspects of the human mind and their intricate relationship. The first aspect concerns the utilization of information within the mind, particularly during cognitive tasks such as mental arithmetic. How do we bring relevant information to mind and maintain it while performing complex calculations? This is the realm of working memory, a subject that has garnered extensive research in psychology, neuroscience, and numerous other fields. Understanding the workings of working memory is a crucial endeavor in comprehending the human mind. The characterization of this process depends on our understanding of the mind as a whole. Is the mind composed of distinct units, each performing specialized functions? There is substantial evidence to support this notion, and a modular view of the mind has gained prominence in academic work, particularly in cognitive neuroscience. This perspective holds significant implications for our understanding of working memory, yet it has received relatively limited attention thus far.

The primary objective of the book is to explore this relationship between working memory and modularity, first in broad terms and then utilizing a specific modular view of the mind – the Modular Cognition Framework. The ideas are illustrated and further developed through an application to language, particularly second language acquisition and usage.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between working memory and modularity, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying human cognitive processes. Through its application to language, it provides valuable insights into second language acquisition and usage, highlighting the importance of considering the modular nature of the mind in understanding language learning and development.

Weight: 371g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367744953