L2 Explicit Knowledge Does Matter in SLA Development

Abstract

This chapter provides a review of literature about explicit knowledge and its role in L2 proficiency. For this purpose, interlanguage processing, knowledge types and interface of knowledge types are described. The three ways to conceptualize the interface between knowledge types are defined. Explicit knowledge is defined and described. The differences between implicit and explicit knowledge are explained. This chapter also provides a clear picture of how to measure L2 explicit knowledge, describing grammaticality judgement tests, language aptitude tests, and metalinguistic knowledge tests with reference to previous research studies. Finally, this chapter aims to display the relationship between explicit knowledge and L2 proficiency. Although it is still necessary to add to the understanding of the relationship between the overall explicit knowledge and L2 proficiency, this chapter concludes stating that it is obvious that L2 explicit knowledge plays a positive role in building L2 proficiency.