Automaticity in Bilingualism and Second Language Learning

Abstract In this chapter, we examine automaticity in light of the role it might play in second language acquisition and in bilingual functioning. We review various theoretical and operational definitions of automaticity, considering their respective strengths, limitations, and challenges they present to researchers studying automaticity in the context of bilingualism. Studies are reviewed regarding automaticity in grammar acquisition and in lexical access and the connection between automaticity and attention in second language acquisition. The implications of automaticity for second language instruction are also discussed.