New conceptualizations of language aptitude in second language attainment
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Judit Kormos
Abstract
This chapter discusses the link between working memory, phonological short-term memory and language aptitude and describes how these cognitive abilities influence second language-learning processes. I provide a critical review of the definitions and constructs of aptitude and elaborate on how phonological short-term and working memory and components of language aptitude might influence processes of language learning, such as noticing, encoding in long-term memory, proceduralization and automatization, and aid second language processing and production. The chapter also considers the stability of cognitive variables in the course of language learning and presents evidence that certain components of language aptitude are prone to change with intensive exposure to second/third languages.
Abstract
This chapter discusses the link between working memory, phonological short-term memory and language aptitude and describes how these cognitive abilities influence second language-learning processes. I provide a critical review of the definitions and constructs of aptitude and elaborate on how phonological short-term and working memory and components of language aptitude might influence processes of language learning, such as noticing, encoding in long-term memory, proceduralization and automatization, and aid second language processing and production. The chapter also considers the stability of cognitive variables in the course of language learning and presents evidence that certain components of language aptitude are prone to change with intensive exposure to second/third languages.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of contributors vii
- Introduction and overview ix
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Part I. Age differences and maturational constraints
- Maturational constraints on child and adult SLA 3
- Maturational constraints on lexical acquisition in a second language 43
- Age of acquisition effects or effects of bilingualism in second language ultimate attainment? 69
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Part II. Aptitude constructs and measures
- Cognitive aptitudes for second language learning and the LLAMA Language Aptitude Test 105
- New conceptualizations of language aptitude in second language attainment 131
- Optimizing post-critical-period language learning 153
-
Part III. Age, aptitude and ultimate attainment
- Reexamining the robustness of aptitude in second language acquisition 179
- Memory-based aptitude for nativelike selection 205
- High-level proficiency in late L2 acquisition 231
-
Part IV. Implications for educational policy and language teaching
- Some implications of research findings on sensitive periods in language learning for educational policy and practice 259
- Aptitude-treatment interaction studies in second language acquisition 273
- Subject index 293
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- List of contributors vii
- Introduction and overview ix
-
Part I. Age differences and maturational constraints
- Maturational constraints on child and adult SLA 3
- Maturational constraints on lexical acquisition in a second language 43
- Age of acquisition effects or effects of bilingualism in second language ultimate attainment? 69
-
Part II. Aptitude constructs and measures
- Cognitive aptitudes for second language learning and the LLAMA Language Aptitude Test 105
- New conceptualizations of language aptitude in second language attainment 131
- Optimizing post-critical-period language learning 153
-
Part III. Age, aptitude and ultimate attainment
- Reexamining the robustness of aptitude in second language acquisition 179
- Memory-based aptitude for nativelike selection 205
- High-level proficiency in late L2 acquisition 231
-
Part IV. Implications for educational policy and language teaching
- Some implications of research findings on sensitive periods in language learning for educational policy and practice 259
- Aptitude-treatment interaction studies in second language acquisition 273
- Subject index 293
