Moyer Alene. Age, Accent and Experience in Second Language Acquisition

Multilingual Matters. 2004. — 179 p. — ISBN: 1853597171.This work critically addresses the age debate in second language acquisition studies, presenting an in-depth study of factors that predict foreign accent. Quantitative and qualitative analyses confirm that cognitive, social, and psychological factors contribute to attainment, and that biological influences must therefore be considered alongside these essential aspects of learner experience.Contextualizing Critical Period Inquiry
The Problems of Scope and Classification
Contextualizing SLA: Germany as an Empirical Framework
The Current Empirical Study
The Structure of the BookAccounting for Universal and Individual Factors in Ultimate Attainment: Focus on Phonology
Introduction: Differences in Child and Adult Language Learning
Ultimate Attainment in L2 Phonology
Modular and Universal Perspectives on Phonological Abilities
Cognitive Considerations in L2 Phonological Development
Social and Psychological Issues in L2 PhonologyVerifying the Relative Strength of Maturation, L2 Experience and Psychological Orientation: The Quantitative Findings
Introduction: Purpose and Approach to the Current Study
Descriptive and Statistical Analysis of Non-Linguistic Data
Results of the Linguistic Performance Data
Discussion of Statistical Analysis Results
Conclusion: Theoretical Implications
Understanding Identity, Intention, and Opportunities for L2 Contact: The Qualitative Findings
Instruments and Procedure
Thematic Presentation of Results
An Exceptional LearnerConclusions and Proposals for Future Research
Putting Age Effects in Context
Individual and Universal Predictions for Phonological
Attainment in SLA
Re-thinking the Ultimate Attainment Construct for Future Research