ERIC Number: EJ929395
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0026-7902
EISSN: N/A
Subcomponents of Second-Language Aptitude and Second-Language Proficiency
Sparks, Richard L.; Humbach, Nancy; Patton, Jon; Ganschow, Leonore
Modern Language Journal, v95 n2 p253-273 Sum 2011
A factor analysis of a test battery that included early first-language (L1) achievement, L1 cognitive ability, second-language (L2) aptitude, and L2 affective measures to predict oral and written L2 proficiency was conducted. The analysis yielded 4 factors that were labeled Language Analysis, composed of L1 and L2 language comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and inductive language learning measures; Phonology/Orthography, composed of L1 and L2 phonemic coding and phonological processing measures; IQ/Memory, composed of L1 intelligence and L2 paired-associate learning measures; and Self-Perceptions of Language Skills, composed of L2 motivation and L2 anxiety measures. The 4 factors explained 76% of the variance in oral and written L2 proficiency. Findings support the view that L2 aptitude is componential. Results are discussed in the context of long-term L1-L2 relationships and individual differences in L2 learning.
Descriptors: Reading Difficulties, Phonology, Paired Associate Learning, Affective Measures, Factor Analysis, Language Skills, Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Cognitive Ability, Native Language, Language Aptitude, Grammar, Vocabulary, Measures (Individuals), Anxiety, Individual Differences, Language Acquisition, Language Tests
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2429/WileyCDA/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A