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Native language predictors of foreign language proficiency and foreign language aptitude.
Richard L Sparks1, Jon Patton, Leonore Ganschow
1Education Department, College of Mount St. Joseph, 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233-1670, USA. richard_sparks@mail.msj.edu
Annals of Dyslexia
|September 13, 2007
Summary
Native language (NL) literacy skills in elementary school are strong predictors of foreign language (FL) proficiency and aptitude later in life. Early phonological processing abilities significantly impact L2 learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Second Language Acquisition
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the predictors of foreign language (FL) proficiency and aptitude is crucial for optimizing language education.
- The relationship between native language (NL) skills and FL learning outcomes requires further investigation, particularly longitudinal studies.
- Early identification of factors influencing FL success can inform pedagogical strategies and student support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the best native language (NL) predictors of oral and written foreign language (FL) proficiency and FL aptitude.
- To examine the longitudinal relationship between early NL literacy and later FL achievement over a 10-year period.
- To explore the role of phonological processing skills in written language development and oral FL proficiency.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking 54 students over 10 years, assessing participants after two years of FL study (Spanish, French, or German).
- Administration of measures for NL literacy, oral language, and cognitive abilities in elementary school.
- Assessment of FL aptitude in ninth grade and FL proficiency in tenth grade.
Main Results:
- Native language (NL) literacy measures were the strongest predictors of foreign language (FL) proficiency.
- NL achievement and general (verbal) intelligence were significant predictors of FL aptitude.
- Early indices of NL literacy (first grade) correlated with FL proficiency and aptitude observed nine to 10 years later.
Conclusions:
- Strong evidence supports a significant connection between native language (L1) and foreign language (L2) skills.
- Early foundational skills in native language literacy, particularly phonological processing, are vital for developing both written and oral foreign language proficiency.
- These findings underscore the importance of robust native language instruction for successful foreign language acquisition.
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