Acceso usuarios
Peijian Paul Sun, Max Wolpert
How languages are processed and represented in our brains has been extensively explored in the field of cognitive and neurocognitive science (Carreiras 2010; Faust 2012). However, there is a lack of comprehensive review of second language (L2) processing, particularly in the fields of L2 acquisition and applied linguistics. Jiang’s (2018) Second Language Processing: An Introduction not only serves as a timely reference for researchers to gain a systematic understanding of mental processes and mechanisms involved in L2 use but also offers different research methods for theoretical and applied linguists to diversify their methodological design in their future studies.
The book’s first chapter overviews work in the field of L2 processing. Jiang points out that L2 processing has a broader scope than native or first language (L1) processing research, relating closely to L2 acquisition and using primarily quantitative and experimental methods. Jiang also introduces three recurrent themes: L2 acquirability, L1 and L2 interactions and age effects on cognitive processes. This introduction leaves some open questions for the readers. For example, how do we position L2 processing research in the field of cognitive/neurocognitive science? To what extent can L2 processing research actually reflect the so-called mental processes and mechanisms involved in L2 use? Such questions may be of greater interest to linguistics with no cognitive science background.
