Apt to change: The problematic of language awareness and language aptitude in age-related research
Apt to change:The problematic of language awareness and language aptitude in age-related research
Author(s): David SingletonSubject(s): Foreign languages learning
Published by: Wojskowe Biuro Historyczne im. gen. broni Kazimierza Sosnkowskiego
Keywords: language awareness; language aptitude; explicit learning; implicit learning; critical period
Summary/Abstract: This article begins by addressing the entire problematic of the conceptualization of language awareness and language aptitude. The language awareness/aptitude issue features features in the maturational debate in connectionwith two claims. First, it is discussed in relation to the view that second language learning of older individuals is eplicit (whereas that of younger individuals is implicit). Second, it is referred to in regard to the notion that there are older L2 learners who appear to be able to 'beat' the critical period thanks to high levels of language aptitude. The article critically explores both these propositions and concludes that neither is particularly safe, especially given the uncertain state of the relevant research context.
Journal: Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching
- Issue Year: IV/2014
- Issue No: 3
- Page Range: 557-571
- Page Count: 14
- Language: English