Some implications of research findings on sensitive periods in language learning for educational policy and practice
-
Mike Long✝
Abstract
Opinions differ as to the implications of research findings on sensitive periods in language learning – and more generally, on age effects – for educational policy and practice. This is true even among those convinced of relationships among age of beginning a foreign language, rate of development, and long-term attainment. It is argued that policy recommendations need to be determined with clear reference to the general educational context, including the importance of foreign language abilities in the society, and for the individuals, concerned. Early and more recent research findings are then reviewed, and proposals made for future work on the issues.
Abstract
Opinions differ as to the implications of research findings on sensitive periods in language learning – and more generally, on age effects – for educational policy and practice. This is true even among those convinced of relationships among age of beginning a foreign language, rate of development, and long-term attainment. It is argued that policy recommendations need to be determined with clear reference to the general educational context, including the importance of foreign language abilities in the society, and for the individuals, concerned. Early and more recent research findings are then reviewed, and proposals made for future work on the issues.
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
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
