Individual Differences and Second Language Learning

1997 ◽  
pp. 33-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning

scholarly journals Finding the key to successful L2 learning in groups and individuals

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wander Lowie ◽  
Marijn Van Dijk ◽  
Huiping Chan ◽  
Marjolijn Verspoor
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Learner Characteristics ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Over Time

A large body studies into individual differences in second language learning has shown that success in second language learning is strongly affected by a set of relevant learner characteristics ranging from the age of onset to motivation, aptitude, and personality. Most studies have concentrated on a limited number of learner characteristics and have argued for the relative importance of some of these factors. Clearly, some learners are more successful than others, and it is tempting to try to find the factor or combination of factors that can crack the code to success. However, isolating one or several global individual characteristics can only give a partial explanation of success in second language learning. The limitation of this approach is that it only reflects on rather general personality characteristics of learners at one point in time, while both language development and the factors affecting it are instances of complex dynamic processes that develop over time. Factors that have been labelled as “individual differences” as well as the development of proficiency are characterized by nonlinear relationships in the time domain, due to which the rate of success cannot be simply deduced from a combination of factors. Moreover, in complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) literature it has been argued that a generalization about the interaction of variables across individuals is not warranted when we acknowledge that language development is essentially an individual process (Molenaar, 2015). In this paper, the viability of these generalizations is investigated by exploring the L2 development over time for two identical twins in Taiwan who can be expected to be highly similar in all respects, from their environment to their level of English proficiency, to their exposure to English, and to their individual differences. In spite of the striking similarities between these learners, the development of their L2 English over time was very different. Developmental patterns for spoken and written language even showed opposite tendencies. These observations underline the individual nature of the process of second language development.

scholarly journals Main Factors That Facilitate Second Language Learning With Learning and Teaching Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Wenyi Li
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Negative Factor ◽  
Main Factors

There are many factors that influence and promote second language learning and this research examines how to promote second language learning and teaching by exploring three main individual factors, namely motivation, anxiety and enjoyment. By understanding students' extrinsic motivation, teachers can use rewards or foster a sense of responsibility in learners to stimulate their latent interest. Although anxiety is generally regarded as a negative factor in learning, it can be reduced and language learning facilitated by studying the mechanisms of anxiety. The opposite of anxiety is enjoyment, and teachers can find a rewarding and enjoyable way to encourage students to make progress. Second language learning can therefore be facilitated through a range of research into the three important individual differences in motivation, anxiety and enjoyment.

Individual Differences in Executive Functions Predict Second Language Learning Success

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared A. Linck ◽  
Scott R. Jackson ◽  
Noah H. Silbert ◽  
Medha Tare ◽  
Anita R. Bowles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Learning Success

Individual Differences in Second-Language Learning

1990 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 385
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Oxford ◽  
Peter Skehan
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning
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