The Impact of Arabic Phonological Properties on Working Memory Capacity: The Agreement between Cognitive and Procedural Costs

Abstract

The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of the phonological properties and manifestations of phonological complexity in a language on working memory capacity, particularly in terms of its functioning and processing of linguistic information. Previous studies conducted in the context of Arabic language, with its unique phonological properties, have provided supporting evidence. Therefore, this study aims to explore whether the number of procedural processes involved in consonant assimilation phenomena affects the storage capacity of working memory. To address this question, a reading test was conducted on a sample of one hundred primary school students. The participants' phonological working memory capacity was assessed by measuring their reading speed when reciting a series of eight sentences as quickly as possible while adhering to punctuation marks. Data analysis was conducted using Audacity Software. The findings indicate variations among three groups of consonant assimilation phenomena, distinguished by the number of processes involved and their impact on the storage capacity of working memory during its operation in the Arabic language. The results demonstrate that the three-consonant assimilation phenomena provide the highest level of support to working memory storage capacity, followed by those with two procedures, and then one procedure.