Individual variation in second-language acquisition: Difference between revisions

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==Language aptitude==

{{main|Language-learning aptitude}}

There are two definitions that help explain individual difference variables. The first is predictive, language aptitude is related to a set of cognitive abilities. These cognitive abilities, allow one to predict how well an individual can learn a foreign language. These abilities change under limited time and circumstances. The second definition is interactional. It views language aptitude as comprehension abilities during second language learning. Aptitude is or can be subject to change according to an environment. It highlights that no specific instruction works for all second language learners. Therefore, in order for an individual to grasp a second language, there must be an adaption. Where the learner’s abilities can flourish under different learning conditions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Li|first=Shaofeng|date=2014-10-07|title=The Associations Between Language Aptitude and Second Language Grammar Acquisition: A Meta-Analytic Review of Five Decades of Research|journal=Applied Linguistics|language=en|volume=36|issue=3|pages=385–408|doi=10.1093/applin/amu054|issn=1477-450X|doi-access=free}}</ref>

A meta-analysis brought to light that the importance of aptitude is an overestimate when it comes to grammatical capability. In specific conditions, language aptitude is a conscious construct which affects learning results. Language aptitude can be useful in predicting the beginning stages of second language learning, when it comes to grammatical competence, but it is not a reliable way to learning stages.<ref name=":0" />