-
Implicit Learning in Second Language Acquisition: Insights from Neuroscientific Data
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2021
Pages:
21-30
Received:
15 March 2021
Accepted:
6 April 2021
Published:
14 May 2021
Abstract: It is an ultimate goal for second language learners to attain a high-level of proficiency and produce L2 accurately as well as fluently. Yet, according to second language learning enormity particularly in a later stage, a considerable number of learners may experience excruciating difficulties. Suffice it to mention that some learners may not even succeed in developing language rudiments. To ascertain the learners’ potential, second language acquisition theories have, for long, attempted to account for the difficulties faced by second language learners who tend to think and produce language in a rule-governed way. Inherent to such theories, explicit versus implicit learning approaches attempted to uncover the associated factors affecting second language learning. Accordingly, this has amassed a growing body of research over the issue of implicit learning which has been investigated in various disciplines including SLA and pedagogy, psycholinguistics, and cognitive and neuroscience. This paper places focus on implicit learning highlighting its importance in second language learning as well as its benefits which extend to language automaticity. The paper presents studies probing the effectiveness of implicit learning on various levels; after which neuroscientific data is presented to account for the advantages and development of implicit learning explicating the memory systems underpinning the learning process as well as the neural processes lying at the core therein. Finally, implications are provided.
Abstract: It is an ultimate goal for second language learners to attain a high-level of proficiency and produce L2 accurately as well as fluently. Yet, according to second language learning enormity particularly in a later stage, a considerable number of learners may experience excruciating difficulties. Suffice it to mention that some learners may not even ...
Show More
-
The Drawbacks of Optimality Theoretic Phonology: Objections and Refutations
Fareed Hameed Al-Hindawi,
Mustafa Abdulsahib Abdulkareem
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2021
Pages:
31-37
Received:
17 December 2019
Accepted:
27 December 2019
Published:
28 June 2021
Abstract: Optimality theory was introduced in the early 1990s as an alternative model of the organization of natural human language sound systems. It suggests that the observed forms of language arise from the optimal satisfaction of conflicting constraints. Optimality theory differs from other approaches to phonology, like autosegmental phonology and linear phonology (The Sound Pattern of English), which are typically rule-based approaches rather than constraints (such as faithfulness and markedness operating between underlying forms, inputs, and surface representations, outputs). This study briefly reviews the rise of Optimality theory and its main tenets, teasing out a detailed study of the various critiques that have been addressed to the Optimality theory and its theoretical and applicable domains. It presents a critical appraisal of the role of Optimality theory in phonology to show its main shortcomings and defects. In addition to other criticisms directed to the theory that are triggered by different scholars, the study suggests some other weak points that may be added to those pointed out by such previous critiques. On the basis of what is revealed by the criticism, it is concluded that Optimality theory suffers from different shortcomings and problems. Six problems are identified: the ambiguity of generating process, not paying attention to the lexicon, the uselessness of creativity of mind, wrong ranking, diversity of the same sound in different languages, and focus on parallelism rather than serialism.
Abstract: Optimality theory was introduced in the early 1990s as an alternative model of the organization of natural human language sound systems. It suggests that the observed forms of language arise from the optimal satisfaction of conflicting constraints. Optimality theory differs from other approaches to phonology, like autosegmental phonology and linear...
Show More
-
The Research on “Fight” Culture in Chinese Traditional Games
Sun Yuechuan,
Bein Kaixuan
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2021
Pages:
38-43
Received:
2 June 2021
Accepted:
19 June 2021
Published:
30 June 2021
Abstract: In traditional Chinese games, there is a basic element of "fight", which is similar to the competition culture in western games, but deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and develops to a "fight" culture with Chinese characteristics. As for the tradition Chinese games, there are different kinds of games with "fight" element, such as the game of verbal fight and martial fight, which have different emphasis and evolution process. Most of traditional Chinese games with fight element have characteristics of long history and rich cultural heritage, educational significance being more important than entertainment, and abundant seasonable games. As an important part of folklore, these games with “fight” element reflect the cultural characteristics of the Chinese nation with its unique existence, including the contradiction between the cultures of constantly fighting for self-improvement and harmony, emphasis on collectivism, emphasis on practice over theory, obvious gender distinction, obedience to the authority of rules. In this paper, the author will analyze the traditional Chinese games, especially those games with "fight" cultural elements, and explore the characteristics of such games and the cultural background and national spirit reflected, so as to provide a reference for the further development and dissemination of traditional Chinese games today.
Abstract: In traditional Chinese games, there is a basic element of "fight", which is similar to the competition culture in western games, but deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and develops to a "fight" culture with Chinese characteristics. As for the tradition Chinese games, there are different kinds of games with "fight" element, such as the...
Show More
