Learning multiword expressions in a second language during study abroad: The role of individual differences

Author(s):  
Klara Arvidsson
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (s1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiri Lev-Ari

AbstractPeople learn language from their social environment. Therefore, individual differences in the input that their social environment provides could influence their linguistic performance. Nevertheless, investigation of the role of individual differences in input on performance has been mostly restricted to first and second language acquisition. In this paper I argue that individual differences in input can influence linguistic performance even in adult native speakers. Specifically, differences in input can affect performance by influencing people’s knowledgebase, by modulating their processing manner, and by shaping expectations. Therefore, studying the role that individual differences in input play can improve our understanding of how language is learned, processed and represented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Yilun Yang ◽  
Liping Chen

There are many factors influencing second language acquisition, such as learner external factors including social factors, the input of second language acquisition and the relationship between acquisition; internal factors including the transfer of language, cognition of second language and language universals, etc, which influence the psychological factors of learner's second language; individual differences include some factors in physiological emotion, cognition, and learning strategies. This article is to explore the role of learners in second language acquisition from the perspective of individual differences (age, aptitude, learning motivation).


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Faretta-Stutenberg ◽  
Kara Morgan-Short

In order to understand variability in second language (L2) acquisition, this study addressed how individual differences in cognitive abilities may contribute to development for learners in different contexts. Specifically, we report the results of two short-term longitudinal studies aimed at examining the role of cognitive abilities in accounting for changes in L2 behavioral performance and neurocognitive processing for learners in ‘at-home’ and ‘study-abroad’ settings. Learners completed cognitive assessments of declarative, procedural, and working memory abilities. Linguistic assessments aimed at determining behavioral sensitivity and online processing of L2 Spanish syntax were administered before and after a semester of study in either a traditional university classroom context (Experiment 1) or a study-abroad context (Experiment 2). At-home learners evidenced behavioral gains, with no detected predictive role for individual differences in cognitive abilities. Study-abroad learners evidenced behavioral gains and processing changes that were partially accounted for by procedural learning ability and working memory. Taken together, these results provide preliminary insight into how individual differences in cognitive abilities may contribute to behavioral and neural processing changes over time among learners in different natural contexts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilina Kachinske ◽  
Robert DeKeyser

Abstract Despite numerous positive findings of explicit instruction, this topic continues to engage scholars worldwide. One issue that may be crucial for the effectiveness of explicit instruction is the interaction between cognitive individual differences (language aptitude and working memory) and types of instruction. In this experiment, 128 learners of Spanish were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments and completed comprehension-based practice for interpreting object-verb and ser/estar sentences in Spanish. Results revealed that the various combinations of rules and practice posed differential task demands on the learners and consequently drew on language aptitude and working memory to a different extent. We argue that not only are rules and practice both necessary, but that their suitable integration ameliorates task demands, reducing the burden on the learner, and accordingly mitigates the role of participants’ individual differences, thus making a substantial difference for the learning of second language grammar.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Buffington ◽  
Kara Morgan-Short

Domain-general approaches to second language acquisition (SLA) have considered how individual differences in cognitive abilities contribute to foreign language aptitude. Here, we specifically consider the role of two, long-term, cognitive memory systems, i.e., declarative and procedural memory, as individual differences in SLA. In doing so, we define and review evidence for the long-term declarative and procedural memory systems, consider theories that address a role for declarative and procedural memory in L2 acquisition, discuss evidence in support of the claims that these theories make, and conclude with discussion of important directions and questions for future research on the role of declarative and procedural memory as individual differences in assessing L2 aptitude.


Author(s):  
Annarita Magliacane

Abstract While second language (L2) pragmatics research has predominantly investigated speech acts, little attention has been given to pragmatic markers (PMs) (Müller, 2005). Research demonstrates that PM use by learners is limited (Liao, 2009) and that their production is aided by native speaker (NS) contact (Sankoff et al., 1997). Thus, if study abroad (SA) provides a combination of instructed and naturalistic input / exposure, the analysis of PM development gives insights into the role of language exposure during SA. Against this background, this article investigates the use of PMs in L2 English during an Erasmus programme in Ireland. Data were collected using sociolinguistic interviews (Labov, 1984) and the PMs studied were ‘like’ and ‘well’. These PMs were tracked longitudinally to investigate differences in frequency and use. Findings were analysed quantitatively and compared with English NSs. Results point to an increase in frequency but also reveal constraints on the use of the PMs studied.


Author(s):  
Klara Arvidsson

Abstract This study takes a Usage-Based approach to the learning of French multiword expressions (MWEs) in Study Abroad (SA). MWEs are conventionalized form-meaning mappings, for example du coup (‘and so’) and en fait (‘actually’), and are assumed to be learned through repeated exposure. Based on this assumption, the study adopted a pretest/posttest design to explore how quantity of out-of-class target-language (TL) contact predicted the development of MWE knowledge among 41 Swedish students during a semester in France. MWE knowledge was assessed by a modified cloze test based on transcriptions of informal language use (www.clapi.fr) and TL contact information was obtained through the Language Engagement Questionnaire (McManus, Mitchell, & Tracy-Ventura, 2014). Contrary to expectations, the findings showed that quantity of out-of-class TL contact did not predict gains in MWE knowledge and add further counterevidence for the role of sheer quantity of TL contact for linguistic development in SA.


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