Individual variation in second-language acquisition: Difference between revisions

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==Language aptitude==

{{main|Language-learning aptitude}}

Tests of language aptitude have proven extremely effective in predicting which learners will be successful in learning.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bylund|first=Emanuel|last2=Abrahamsson|first2=Niclas|last3=Hyltenstam|first3=Kenneth|date=2012-06-01|title=DOES FIRSTet LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE HAMPER NATIVELIKENESS IN A SECOND LANGUAGE?: A Study of Ultimate Attainment in Early Bilinguals|url=https://wwwal.cambridge.org/core/journals/studies-in-second-language-acquisition/article/does-first-language-maintenance-hamper-nativelikeness-in-a-second-language/12B4CCC663B75492B9A6C0758A94122D|journal=Studies, in Second Language Acquisition|volume=34|issue=2|pages=215–241|doi=10.1017/S0272263112000034|issn=1470-1545}}2012</ref> However, considerable controversy remains about whether language aptitude is properly regarded as a unitary concept, an organic property of the brain, or as a complex of factors including motivation and short-term memory. Research has generally shown that language aptitude is quite distinct from general aptitude or [[intelligence (trait)|intelligence]], as measured by various tests, and is itself fairly consistently measurable by different tests.

Language aptitude research is often criticized for being irrelevant to the problems of language learners, who must attempt to learn a language regardless of whether they are gifted for the task or not. This claim is reinforced by research findings that aptitude is largely unchangeable.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} In addition, traditional language aptitude measures such as the [[Modern Language Aptitude Test]] strongly favor decontextualized knowledge of the sort used in taking tests, rather than the sort used in [[conversation]]. For this reason little research is carried out on aptitude today. However, operators of selective language programs such as the United States [[Defense Language Institute]] continue to use language aptitude testing as part of applicant screening.

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==References==

{{refbegin}}

*{{Cite journal

|doi = 10.1017/S0272263112000034

|last1 = Bylund

|first1 = E.

|last2 = Abrahamsson

|first2 = N.

|last3 = Hyltenstam

|first3 = K.

|year = 2012

|title = Does First Language Maintenance Hamper Nativelikeness in a Second Language?

|journal = Studies in Second Language Acquisition

|volume = 34

|issue = 2

|pages=215-241

}}

*{{Cite journal

|ref = harv