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If it becomes clear that the new knowledge does not map onto our existing knowledge base, we can delay processing and integrating it by simply shelving the problem. In this case, the new information is not rejected outright, but it is not integrated in any significant or effective way. Once in the “parking lot” the user may be able to recall it, but usually cannot use the knowledge for anything useful. It may be retrieved and processed when additional knowledge is gained or it may ultimately be forgotten.
Example: learning a new language often uses this mechanism. Since our thinking processes are highly dependent on language, it can be hard for people to absorb and use new words and contexts [1].
Generally, language training consists of the introduction of new words, sentences, and contexts, followed by practice which helps build the integration with the existing body of knowledge.
FOOTNOTES
[1] It is quite common for people to gain an earlier and greater facility in reading and writing a language than in understanding it when spoken or applying it when talking. There are several reasons for this. One of the primary ones is that, in written language, there are clear spaces delineating each word [2]. This allows the reader to understand each word individually. However, in the spoken word there are usually no breaks between words (unless the speaker intentionally speaks very slowly and deliberately). There are also the complications of homonyms and the context which may be needed to indicate which of several similar words is being used (eg., trimming a tree and taking a bough or being on stage and taking a bow). This requires the listener to decode the context before understanding which word is being used.
[2] The German language has a number of run-on words constructed from other words. This makes the Zusammengesetzheit difficult to understand.
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