Memory-based aptitude for nativelike selection
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Cylcia Bolibaugh
Abstract
Native speaker competence includes not only grammatical knowledge but also knowledge of communal and conventional word combinations, or nativelike selections. Although all speakers are idiomatic in their L1, very few, even in immersion contexts, are as successful in their L2. This chapter presents the results of a study investigating the receptive nativelike selection ability of adult onset L2 users with long residence in the target language community, and investigates the influence of exposure, phonological short term memory (pSTM) and disposition towards interaction. We suggest that L2 users do accrue information about conventional word combinations through exposure, and that individual differences in pSTM limit both rate of learning and ultimate attainment. Crucially, these influences depend both on the context of learning and age of onset of the learner.
Abstract
Native speaker competence includes not only grammatical knowledge but also knowledge of communal and conventional word combinations, or nativelike selections. Although all speakers are idiomatic in their L1, very few, even in immersion contexts, are as successful in their L2. This chapter presents the results of a study investigating the receptive nativelike selection ability of adult onset L2 users with long residence in the target language community, and investigates the influence of exposure, phonological short term memory (pSTM) and disposition towards interaction. We suggest that L2 users do accrue information about conventional word combinations through exposure, and that individual differences in pSTM limit both rate of learning and ultimate attainment. Crucially, these influences depend both on the context of learning and age of onset of the learner.
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
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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
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
