Experience, Aptitude, and Individual Differences in Linguistic Attainment: A Comparison of Native and Nonnative Speakers

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  • Author(s): Dabrowska, Ewa (ORCID Dabrowska, Ewa (ORCID 0000-0002-3926-9555)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Language Learning. Mar 2019 69(1):72-100.
  • Publication Date:
    2019
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      29
    • Subject Terms:
      Individual Differences; Native Speakers; Second Language Learning; Phrase Structure; English (Second Language); Language Usage; Grammar; Vocabulary Development; Language Aptitude; Predictor Variables; Age Differences; Nonverbal Ability; Adults; Immigrants; Language Tests; Prediction; Comparative Analysis; Educational Attainment; Literacy; English
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/lang.12323
    • ISSN:
      0023-8333
    • Abstract:
      This study compares the performance of native speakers and adult second language (L2) learners on tasks tapping proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and collocations. In addition, data were collected on several predictors of individual differences in linguistic attainment, including some related to language experience (print exposure, education, and--for L2 speakers--length of residence and use of English) and some relating to an individual's aptitude to learn (language analytic ability and nonverbal intelligence) as well as age and (for L2 speakers) age of arrival. As anticipated, the native group outperformed L2 speakers on all three language measures, although the effect sizes were much larger for collocations than for grammar or vocabulary. Crucially, there were vast individual differences in both groups and considerable overlap between groups, particularly for grammar. Regression analyses revealed both similarities and differences between native and nonnative speakers in which nonlinguistic measures best predict performance on the language tasks.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2019
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1205931