Most second language acquisition (SLA) research has documented the processes involved in learning second/foreign languages, with few studies focusing on the durability of attained second language (L2) skills once instructed learners/users are no longer receiving formal instruction. The current study examines the effects of continued exposure and…

In Ethiopia, English plays a crucial role in education, business, and government communication, serving as a compulsory subject and the medium of instruction from the ninth grade onwards. Despite its importance, English proficiency remains a significant challenge among both students and teachers, particularly in secondary schools. This study…

This study investigates the strategies employed by Thai learners of Chinese as a second language (L2) to comprehend metaphors, focusing on how language proficiency shapes their approach. Using a mixed-methods design, 29 participants--ranging from beginner to advanced levels--completed metaphor interpretation tasks and provided self-reports on…

This study aims to investigate ChatGPT's ability to comprehend input from nonnative speakers, specifically those learning English as a second language, with Japanese speakers serving as the model population. The experiment examines how ChatGPT evaluates the difficulty levels of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), which is…

Learning English as a foreign language is a complex and challenging endeavour for many students worldwide, requiring the acquisition of multiple language skills. Moreover, success in language learning is determined by several factors, including the learners' learning motivations and perceptions of their competence. The purpose of this research is…

Although researchers have found strong relationships between first language (L1) skills and second language (L2) anxiety, less is known about how L1 skills in primary school impact L2 anxiety years after L1 has been acquired. Previous research lacked evidence for the mediating role of L2 aptitude and L2 achievement in the relationship. This study…

This study investigated linguistic laypersons' use of nonverbal behavior when formulating judgments of second language (L2) ability. Eighty-three first language (L1) English-speaking participants watched and rated samples of L2 English speakers on language and affective dimensions. Twenty of the participants later took part in stimulated verbal…

This research was conducted to investigate AI integration in the development and evaluation of English oral communication skills, within both academic and professional practices. This study used a mixed-methods design, combining data from a quasi-experiment with qualitative data collected through interviews with students and instructors. Results…

Students who have remained classified as English Learners (ELs) for more than six years are often labeled "Long-term English Learners" (LTELs). The present study examined the English Language Development (ELD) test scores and demographic information in a group of 560 students identified as LTELs. Despite assumptions that these students…

Background/purpose: Despite its informal setting, it is astonishing that the members of online English-speaking club (ESC) are adept at speaking. Employing a mixed-methods approach, more specifically a descriptive case study, this study aimed to evaluate the ESC contribution to its members' speaking competence development, to examine their…

This study followed the development of Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) proficiency in 31 deaf bimodal bilingual children (kindergarten through Primary 6) over two years. The Hong Kong Sign Language Elicitation Tool (HKSL-ET) was used at three time points to elicit the production of agreement, classifier, modal, negation, and wh-question structures.…

This research explores into the issues faced by heritage language speakers and learners, a topic gaining increasing relevance as millions of individuals reside outside their country or region of birth for various reasons. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the experiences and proficiency of the heritage language among ethnic…

This study evaluates the impact of a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) tool for the acquisition of academic English and oral language skills in children learning English as a second language. Using a quasi-experimental design, we compare English proficiency scores for K-5 students who did or did not use the program during the 2020-21…

This book traces and summarizes theoretical insights and empirical findings on the topic of whether or not anxiety for language learning could be a causal variable for individual differences in language learning. The author brings together three decades of research to show that first language (L1) skills and second language (L2) aptitude are…

Despite the widespread use and effectiveness of the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) composite score in predicting individual differences in L2 achievement and proficiency, there has been little examination of MLAT subtests, although they have potential for illuminating components of L2 aptitude and the mechanism of prediction. Here we use…