Age Effects and Language Aptitude in SLA: Focusing on Ultimate Attainment in Morphosyntax

Lingxiao Cao

《International Journal of Social Science and Education Research》 4卷10期 (2021/10) Pp. 246-254

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202110_4(10).0041

摘要

Based on relevant theoretical background and empirical findings concerning the age effects on ultimate attainment in morphosyntax, this paper probes into the roles of age and language aptitude in SLA for early learners and late learners. In this paper, main attributes of language aptitude and two orientations towards second language (L2) development are firstly explored. Then Critical Period Hypothesis and Fundamental Difference Hypothesis are discussed in combination with child‐adult underlying disparity in language learning mechanism. Through the analysis of three selected empirical studies, the ceiling effects of L2 learning in morphosyntax for early learners are confirmed, and it is suggested that more studies should be carried out to examine the nature of morphosyntax development mechanism for learners of different age of onset.

關鍵字

SLA ； Age effects ； Language aptitude ； Ultimate attainment in morphosyntax

參考文獻

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