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A Critical Review of Language Aptitude.

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Title: A Critical Review of Language Aptitude.
Authors: Al Badi, Ibtisam Ali Hassan1
Source: Perspectives (TESOL Arabia). Nov2014, Vol. 22 Issue 3, p11-17. 7p.
Subject Terms: *Individual differences, *Second language acquisition -- Social aspects, *Language & education, *Language acquisition testing, *Education, Social aspects, Linguistic identity
Abstract: Individual differences have been the center of attention of a considerable number of linguists and educators for decades (see, e.g., Krashen, 1980; Skehan, 1989, 2014; Larsen-Freeman & Long, 1991; Dornyei, 2006; Robinson, 2012). This could be attributed to the hypothesis that individual differences are fundamental psychological factors which could predict success or failure of a language learner (Lightbown & Spada, 2006). Aptitude factor is one of these major and controversial individual characteristics (Brown, 2007). It is believed that language aptitude is one of the primary learner attributes noticeably involved in second language acquisition (Skehan, 1989). It is also assumed to be the most successful predictor of language learning attainment (Gardner & MacIntyre, 1992). This has been supported in a study conducted by DeKeyser, Alfi-Shabtay, and Ravid (2010) who concluded that language learning aptitude can play a fundamental role in adult second language acquisition. That could be attributed to the aptitude tests such as Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) which have been proved to have positive relation with language learning. For instance, Bain, McCallum, Bell, Cochran, and Sawyer (2010) indicated that MLAT could be "the strongest predictor of foreign language learning success" (p. 140). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Perspectives (TESOL Arabia) is the property of TESOL Arabia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individual+differences%22">Individual differences</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+language+acquisition+--+Social+aspects%22">Second language acquisition -- Social aspects</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+%26+education%22">Language & education</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+acquisition+testing%22">Language acquisition testing</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Education%22">Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+aspects%22">Social aspects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Linguistic+identity%22">Linguistic identity</searchLink>
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  Data: Individual differences have been the center of attention of a considerable number of linguists and educators for decades (see, e.g., Krashen, 1980; Skehan, 1989, 2014; Larsen-Freeman & Long, 1991; Dornyei, 2006; Robinson, 2012). This could be attributed to the hypothesis that individual differences are fundamental psychological factors which could predict success or failure of a language learner (Lightbown & Spada, 2006). Aptitude factor is one of these major and controversial individual characteristics (Brown, 2007). It is believed that language aptitude is one of the primary learner attributes noticeably involved in second language acquisition (Skehan, 1989). It is also assumed to be the most successful predictor of language learning attainment (Gardner & MacIntyre, 1992). This has been supported in a study conducted by DeKeyser, Alfi-Shabtay, and Ravid (2010) who concluded that language learning aptitude can play a fundamental role in adult second language acquisition. That could be attributed to the aptitude tests such as Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) which have been proved to have positive relation with language learning. For instance, Bain, McCallum, Bell, Cochran, and Sawyer (2010) indicated that MLAT could be "the strongest predictor of foreign language learning success" (p. 140). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Perspectives (TESOL Arabia) is the property of TESOL Arabia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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