Teng explores the pivotal role of working memory in learning vocabulary in a second language, offering a cutting-edge survey of current scholarship in this area.

The book is divided into three interrelated sections that cover theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and empirical evidence. It provides a comprehensive synthesis of major working memory models and their relevance to vocabulary learning, along with a critical evaluation of measurement paradigms and methodological challenges in WM–vocabulary research. Additionally, it integrates insights from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on individual differences in vocabulary acquisition and offers forward-looking perspectives that bridge cognitive theory, research innovation, and pedagogical practice.

An essential text for scholars and academics in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, cognitive psychology, and language education. It will be particularly valuable to researchers, graduate students, and classroom practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying vocabulary acquisition.

Mark Feng Teng is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at Macao Polytechnic University.