Book contents
- High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
- High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Age Effects on Language Acquisition, Retention and Loss
- 2 The Last Barriers in High-Level L2 Speech
- 3 Discourse and Interaction in Highly Proficient L2 Users
- 4 Formulaic Language in Advanced Long-Residency L2 Speakers
- 5 Developing Lexical Complexity in Oral Production
- 6 Reading Comprehension in Advanced L2 Readers
- 7 Polyglotism
- 8 What’s the Target?
- Index
- References
7 - Polyglotism
A Synergy of Abilities and Predispositions
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 June 2018
Book contents
- High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
- High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Age Effects on Language Acquisition, Retention and Loss
- 2 The Last Barriers in High-Level L2 Speech
- 3 Discourse and Interaction in Highly Proficient L2 Users
- 4 Formulaic Language in Advanced Long-Residency L2 Speakers
- 5 Developing Lexical Complexity in Oral Production
- 6 Reading Comprehension in Advanced L2 Readers
- 7 Polyglotism
- 8 What’s the Target?
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter observes that although anecdotal information abounds on polyglots’ perceived exceptional language abilities, these issues have not previously been systematically researched. A polyglot is operationalized here as a person who, after puberty, acquired/learnt minimally six new languages, who commands at least six of these languages at an intermediate/advanced level of proficiency, and who can presently use them relatively unimpeded in oral interaction. The chapter presents a picture of polyglot characteristics in three dimensions: motivation, language learning aptitude, systemization/empathization skills. The presentation is based specifically on a controlled investigation of 10 polyglots who have been extensively interviewed and tested. Results for each individual show high aptitude scores, a focus on linguistic form, a preference for explicit learning, average to high systemizing ability, and a high level of language awareness. Empathization skills are more variable within the group. Results also show extremely high motivation, especially in terms of choice and executive motivation. It seems that the combination of an extremely strong motivation and high levels of language aptitude and language awareness is what makes polyglots such successful language learners.
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- Chapter
- Information
- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2018
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