Experiments in Second-Language Learning

Experiments in Second-Language Learning focuses on the application of mathematical learning models in learning the Russian language as a second language. The book first discusses remarks on stimulus-response theories of language learning. Psychology and second-language instruction; psychological theory; linguistic theory and second-language learning; and remarks on theories of conditioning are discussed. The text also focuses on learning to discriminate Russian phonemes; learning the orthographic representations of Russian sounds; and vocabulary and morphology learning. Learning exercises are presented; these focused on inflection, semantics, and phonemic transcriptions. The book also looks at grammar learning as influenced by translations, vocabulary, and presentation order; training on negative instances or on isolated words; overview of Russian grammar experiments; and related research. Suggestions for future research are presented. The text is highly valuable for readers interested in studying how mathematical learning models can be used in learning one particular language as a second language.