Can Phonological Working Memory Be Improved Through Perceptual Training?

Abstract

This study investigates whether phonological working memory (PWM) can be improved through perceptual training, specifically high variability phonetic training (HVPT). PWM plays a critical role in second language (L2) acquisition, influencing vocabulary size, grammatical ability, and speech perception. Twenty native Farsi-speaking females (mean age: 24), enrolled in upper- intermediate to advanced English courses in Iran, participated in this quantitative study. Pre- and post-test serial minimal-pair recognition tasks, which included both real words and non-words in hVd frames, were administered using the Gorilla platform to assess PWM, alongside forced- choice identification tasks for 10 English vowels. Participants completed eight HVPT sessions on English Accent Coach (www.englishaccentcoach.com). Results showed significant improvements in both vowel recognition and PWM capacity following training, suggesting that cognitive processing and L2 fluency were enhanced through targeted perceptual interventions. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the connection between perceptual training and PWM, highlighting implications for more effective language teaching strategies and L2 development.