Department: Spanish & Portuguese
Email: woodh@georgetown.edu
Phone: (202) 687-6896

Research Interests: Harriet Bowden is a Ph.D. candidate in Spanish Linguistics studying second language acquisition and processing. Her dissertation, supported by grants from the NIH and NSF, investigates the role of experience in late-acquired language neurocognition. Specifically, this research examines the representation and processing of Spanish in (1) native speakers and (2) non-native speakers at varying levels of experience and proficiency. Other research interests include the effects of instruction, bilingualism, working memory, attention, and awareness, on second language acquisition.

Representative Publications:

Morgan-Short, K. & Bowden, H. W. (2006). Processing Instruction and Meaningful Output-Based Instruction: Effects on Second Language Development. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 28(1), 31-65.

Bowden, H. W., Sanz, C. & Stafford, C. A. (2005). Individual differences: Age, sex, working memory, and prior knowledge. In C. Sanz (Ed.), Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition: Methods, Theory and Practice (pp. 105-140). Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.

Department: Linguistics
Email: carpenth@georgetown.edu
Phone: (202) 687-0698
Webpage: http://www.georgetown.edu/users/carpenth/

Research Interests: Helen Carpenter's research focuses on second language acquisition (SLA). Her doctoral research examines the memory systems underlying adult second language aptitude, or the ability to learn a second language rapidly and to high proficiency. Aptitude, as measured by various tests, is highly predictive of language learning. The neurocognitive underpinnings of aptitude, however, remain largely unknown. Behavioral, psychometric, and neuroimaging techniques (ERPs and fMRI) will highlight new dimensions of this important construct. Helen's other research has examined issues in language lateralization, learner awareness of negative evidence, and speech planning. Other interests include the establishment of a national museum on languages and linguistics (http://www.languagemuseum.org/).

Representative Publications:

Carpenter, H., Jeon, K. S., MacGregor, D., & Mackey, A. (2006). Learners' interpretations of recasts. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 28(2), 209-236.

Malabonga, V., Kenyon, D. and Carpenter, H. (2005). Self-assessment, Preparation and Response Time on a Computerized Oral Proficiency Test. Language Testing, 22(1), 59-92.

Kenyon, D. Malabonga, V. and Carpenter, H. (2001) Response to Norris Commentary. Language Learning and Technology, 5.

Carpenter, H. (2000). Trends in Foreign Language Assessment: Simulated Oral Proficiency Interviews (SOPIs). National Capital Language Resource Center Language Resource.

Carpenter, H. (1997). Making SOPI Assessment Training Easier: Multimedia Advances. National Capital Language Resource Center Language Resource.

Carpenter, H. (1995). A Typical Adult ESL Program. Communitarian Network's Analysis of the Needs of New Immigrants. Amitai Etzioni (Ed.) George Washington University, Washington, DC.

Department: Linguistics
Email: jps74@georgetown.edu
Phone: (202) 687-6896

Research Interests: Jeff Scialabba’s research focuses on first language acquisition and child development through the lens of the declarative/procedural model. Drawing from existing behavioral and neuroimaging data, he is investigating the formation of and shifting reliance upon the two memories systems in language processing from conception through adolescence. In addition, he is involved with a comprehensive, multi-researcher study of developmental disorders that is designed to test the predictions of the Procedural Deficit Hypothesis.