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Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 71 (1986) ► pp.43–64

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Right Hemisphere Processing and Foreign Language Aptitude

 | Department of Linguistics University of Ottawa
 | Center for Second Language Learning University of Ottawa
Published online: 1 January 1986
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https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.71.03sch
In this paper we attempt to link three research areas in the field of second language acquisition : cerebral lateralization for language, language aptitude, and success in inductive versus deductive approaches to language teaching. Based on findings from these three areas, we argue that right as well as left hemisphere type processing may play a role in language acquisition at any age. Furthermore, individuals vary in their ability to use the characteristic processing modes of the two hemispheres and these individual differences may partially underly differences in performance on language aptitude measures as well as success in different language teaching approaches. A study of English-speaking adults is reported. The study tests the hypothesis that different components of language aptitude, as measured by subtests II and IV of the Modern Language Aptitude Test (Carroll and Sapon 1959) may represent functions which are differentially lateralized. Specifically, subtest II, Phonetic Coding, is hypothesized to require at least some right hemisphere processing, whereas subtest IV, Words in Sentences, is hypothesized to rely more on left hemisphere processing. MLAT subtest scores are correlated with scores on an English dichotic listening test. Evidence is found to support the hypothesis that right hemisphere linked abilities may underly some aspects of language aptitude. These findings are discussed in the light of other studies relating MLAT scores and hemisphere preference to success in deductive versus inductive second language courses.
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Cited by (3)

Cited by three other publications

Neufeld, Gerald G.
2001. Non-Foreign-Accented Speech in Adult Second Language Learners. ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics 133-134 ► pp. 185 ff. DOI logo
Backon, Joshua, Benjamin Negeris, Dennis Kurzon & Hanna Amit-chochavi
1991. A Straight nasal septum and right unilateral hypertrophied inferior nasal turbinate, a very rare anatomical phenomenon, in skilled language translators: Relevance to anomalous dominance, brain hemisphericity and second language acquisition. International Journal of Neuroscience 58:3-4 ► pp. 157 ff. DOI logo
Alptekin, Cem & Semiha Atakan
1990. Field dependence-independence and hemisphericity as variables in L2 achievement. Interlanguage studies bulletin (Utrecht) 6:2 ► pp. 135 ff. DOI logo

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