Verbal short-term memory and vocabulary learning in polyglots

Q J Exp Psychol A. 1995 Feb;48(1):98-107. doi: 10.1080/14640749508401378.

Abstract

Polyglot and non-polyglot Italian subjects were given tests assessing verbal (phonological) and visuo-spatial short-term and long-term memory, general intelligence, and vocabulary knowledge in their native language. Polyglots had a superior level of performance in verbal short-term memory tasks (auditory digit span and nonword repetition) and in a paired-associate learning test, which assessed the subjects' ability to acquire new (Russian) words. By contrast, the two groups had comparable performance levels in tasks assessing general intelligence, visuo-spatial short-term memory and learning, and paired-associate learning of Italian words. These findings, which are in line with neuropsychological and developmental evidence, as well as with data from normal subjects, suggest a close relationship between the capacity of phonological memory and the acquisition of foreign languages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Italy
  • Language*
  • Memory, Short-Term*
  • Mental Recall
  • Orientation
  • Paired-Associate Learning
  • Phonetics
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Verbal Learning*
  • Vocabulary*