ABSTRACT
In contrast to the main thrust of most of the constructionist, statistical and implicit learning research reviewed in the previous chapter, we now turn to perspectives which set out to demonstrate that different learning mechanisms are central to L2 learning from those central to L1 learning. Once again, a variety of perspectives is covered. Some theorists use models of memory and sentence processing in order to describe and explain L2 phenomena; others argue that certain mechanisms, such as information processing and attention, are essential for at least some aspects of L2 learning; and yet others argue that particular functions are beneficial in some way, such as awareness and larger working memory capacities.
