LINGUIST List 15.1281

Thu Apr 22 2004

Diss: Applied Ling: Winke: 'Individual...'

Editor for this issue: Takako Matsui <takolinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. pmw2, Individual differences in adult Chinese second language acquisition

Institution: Georgetown University
Program: Department of Linguistics
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2005

Author: Paula Winke

Dissertation Title: Individual differences in adult Chinese second
language acquisition: The relationships among aptitude, memory and
strategies for learning

Dissertation URL: http://epsilon3.georgetown.edu/~pmw2/doctoral/

Linguistic Field: Applied Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, Language Acquisition 

Subject Language: Chinese, Mandarin (code: CHN)

Dissertation Director 1: Alison Mackey
Dissertation Director 2: Jeff Connor-Linton
Dissertation Director 3: Charles Stansfield

Dissertation Abstract:

This project uses measures of L2 aptitude, phonological and
visual-spatial working memory, and surveys of students' strategies for
learning Chinese to discuss the type and strength of relationships
among independent (static aptitude test scores, working memory
capacities, and strategies) and dependent (Chinese development)
variables. More specifically, the goals are to (a) research the
relationship between aptitude and working memory in Chinese SLA, (b)
identify the strategies used by successful adult Chinese learners, and
(c) describe relationships among working memory and strategies in
Chinese SLA. The learners are students of Chinese at Georgetown
University in Washington, DC, and at the Defense Language Institute in
Monterey, California.