A Strong Inference Approach to Causal Factors in Foreign Language Learning: A Response to MacIntyre.

Sparks, Richard L.; Ganschow, Leonore

Notes FAQ Contact Us

Back to results

Peer reviewed

ERIC Number: EJ506821

Record Type: CIJE

Publication Date: 1995

Pages: N/A

Abstractor: N/A

ISBN: N/A

ISSN: ISSN-0026-7902

EISSN: N/A

A Strong Inference Approach to Causal Factors in Foreign Language Learning: A Response to MacIntyre.

Sparks, Richard L.; Ganschow, Leonore

Modern Language Journal, v79 n2 p235-44 Sum 1995

This article responds to MacIntyre's (1995) critique of the Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis (LCDH), which posits that language aptitude is the primary source of individual differences in foreign language (FL) achievement. It defends the LCDH and suggests that difficulties exist with theories that attribute affective and social context variables in FL learning to causal factors. (39 references) (MDM)

Descriptors: Affective Behavior, Anxiety, Criticism, Individual Differences, Influences, Language Aptitude, Language Research, Linguistic Theory, Second Language Learning

Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Journal Articles

Education Level: N/A

Audience: N/A

Language: English

Sponsor: N/A

Authoring Institution: N/A

Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A