THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE FACTORS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING.
Keywords:
cognitive factors, English language learning, attention, memory, perception, reasoning, intelligence, language aptitude.Abstract
Cognitive factors play an important role in the process of learning English as a foreign language. Learners’ attention, memory, perception, reasoning, intelligence, and learning aptitude can influence how effectively they understand, process, and use new language information. This article examines the role of cognitive factors in English language learning and discusses their influence on learners’ language development. Particular attention is given to the ways in which cognitive abilities affect vocabulary acquisition, grammatical understanding, comprehension, and communicative performance. The article also emphasizes the importance of considering individual cognitive differences when designing effective English language teaching strategies. Understanding these factors can help teachers create more learner-centered and productive learning environments. The study highlights that cognitive development and appropriate teaching approaches can work together to improve learners’ engagement, learning efficiency, and overall English language proficiency.
References
1. Baddeley, A. (2015). Working memory in second language learning. In The Oxford Handbook of Working Memory. Oxford University Press.
2. Kormos, J. (2023). The role of cognitive factors in second language writing and writing to learn a second language. Studies in Second Language Acquisition.
3. Li, S. (2016). The construct validity of language aptitude. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 38(4), 801–842.
4. Robinson, P. (1995). Attention, memory, and the “Noticing” Hypothesis. Language Learning, 45(2), 283–331. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1995.tb00441.x
5. Robinson, P. (2001). Individual differences, cognitive abilities, aptitude complexes and learning conditions in second language acquisition. Second Language Research, 17(4), 368–401. https://doi.org/10.1177/026765830101700405
6. Robinson, P. (2003). Attention and memory during SLA. In C. J. Doughty & M. H. Long (Eds.), The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition. Blackwell Publishing.
7. Robinson, P. (2005). Aptitude and second language acquisition. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 25, 46–73.
8. Schmidt, R. W. (2001). Attention. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and Second Language Instruction (pp. 3–32). Cambridge University Press.
9. Skehan, P. (1998). A Cognitive Approach to Language Learning. Oxford University Press.
10. Nicolay, A.-C., & Poncelet, M. (2013). Cognitive abilities underlying second-language vocabulary acquisition in an early second-language immersion education context: A longitudinal study. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 115(4), 655–671.


