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

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.

Individual Differences in First and Second Language Ultimate Attainment and Their Causes

“…Such knowledge could then serve as a yardstick for subsequent comparisons between native and nonnative speakers. The study by Dąbrowska (2019) fits well in this research agenda. Dąbrowska explores the range of individual differences in linguistic competence (grammar, vocabulary, and collocations) in both native speakers and L2 learners, and importantly, she also investigates to what extent several nonlinguistic measures (e.g., print exposure, nonverbal IQ, language analytic ability, level of education, reading habits) were predictive of attainment in both L1 and L2 competence and to what extent this showed overlap.…”

“…As noted above, aptitude features in the studies by Curcic et al. (), Granena and Yilmaz (), Dąbrowska (), and Doughty (). The first two studies zoom in on very specific language learning processes and conduct very brief, tightly controlled intervention studies to isolate these processes and link them to cognitive abilities.…”

“…The studies by Curcic, Andringa, and Kuiken (); Dąbrowska (); Doughty (); and Granena and Yilmaz () all deal with the role of aptitude in L2 acquisition. There is every reason for doing so, as a recent meta‐analysis found aptitude to be associated with overall L2 learning success (Li, ).…”

“…Even though the time frames covered by the studies in this issue vary enormously, from about 40 minutes of instruction (Curcic et al) to 6 years (Pfenninger & Singleton), the same predictors are often used. As noted above, aptitude features in the studies by Curcic et al (2019), Granena and Yilmaz (2019), Dąbrowska (2019), andDoughty (2019). The first two studies zoom in on very specific language learning processes and conduct very brief, tightly controlled intervention studies to isolate these processes and link them to cognitive abilities.…”

An Approach to Assessing the Linguistic Difficulty of Tasks

“…Finally, it is worth reflecting on inter-individual variability. Even in a relatively homogeneous population such as native speakers, not all individuals behave in the same way, as is to be expected (Andringa, 2014;Dąbrowska, 2019). The present study shows that this individual variability, which may be deemed stylistic, seems to be greater in syntax, as some participants tend to prefer broad and complex structures while others typically produce rather short and simple constructions.…”