Yogācāra Consciousness Theory as a Cognitive Framework for Language Processing in Applied Linguistics
Nguyen Thi Nhien Trang, Le Hong Linh
International Journal of Versatile Research and Analysis July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.56975/ijvra.v4i7.709200 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cognitive linguistics Cognition Consciousness Applied linguistics Perspective graphical Conceptual blending Second-language acquisition Perception Cognitive science Cognitive psychology Information processing theory Cognitive architecture Identity music |
| Key points | Argues that Yogācāra consciousness theory provides a complete cognitive system that unifies perception, affect, identity, and habitual cognition, offering improvements to Western second language acquisition models. |
Abstract
In this paper, the authors explore the application of Yogācāra consciousness theory, a highly advanced Buddhist cognitive system, to help develop and improve contemporary second language acquisition (SLA) models. Through conceptual analysis, the study relates Yogācāra concepts the eight consciousness’s, manas, ālaya‑vijñāna, and the seed manifestation mechanism to major SLA processes such as input processing, affective filtering, identity negotiation, implicit learning, and long‑term memory consolidation. The results demonstrate that Yogācāra presents a complete cognitive system that unifies perception affect identity, and habitual cognition, Because of this overcoming deficiencies of mainly Western SLA models. This paper elaborates how manas lends a new perspective on anxiety and self‑efficacy, while ālaya‑vijñāna is a equivalent of procedural memory and implicit learning. Following Yogācāra principles and techniques, teachers can encourage mindfulness‑enhanced attention in students, design identity‑aware instruction, and develop curricula that are sensitive to students' memory processes. The combination of different academic disciplines in this setup not only helps to bring in more cultural perspectives to SLA theory but also leads to a better, more global, and integrative understanding of language learning.