Reexamining the robustness of aptitude in second language acquisition
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Gisela Granena
Abstract
Research on language aptitude has focused extensively on instructed second language (L2) learning and rate of L2 learning, but rarely on long-term L2 achievement in a naturalistic context. In addition, the few studies that have investigated the role of aptitude in morphosyntactic L2 attainment (e.g. Abrahamsson & Hyltenstam 2008; DeKeyser 2000; DeKeyser et al. 2010; Granena & Long 2013), have yielded mixed findings, in spite of having relied on the same type of outcome measure (i.e. a grammaticality judgment test; GJT). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aptitude and long-term L2 achievement as measured in two GJT modalities and sentence complexity conditions. Results showed an interaction between aptitude and GJT scores according to test modality in the L2-speaker group.
Abstract
Research on language aptitude has focused extensively on instructed second language (L2) learning and rate of L2 learning, but rarely on long-term L2 achievement in a naturalistic context. In addition, the few studies that have investigated the role of aptitude in morphosyntactic L2 attainment (e.g. Abrahamsson & Hyltenstam 2008; DeKeyser 2000; DeKeyser et al. 2010; Granena & Long 2013), have yielded mixed findings, in spite of having relied on the same type of outcome measure (i.e. a grammaticality judgment test; GJT). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aptitude and long-term L2 achievement as measured in two GJT modalities and sentence complexity conditions. Results showed an interaction between aptitude and GJT scores according to test modality in the L2-speaker group.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
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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
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
