Lessons from Exceptional Language Learners Who Have Achieved Nativelike Proficiency: Motivation, Cognition and Identity

by Zolt n D rnyei, Katarina Mentzelopoulos

Overview

How do some language learners triumph against all odds, despite not having obvious heritage links or spending extended periods of time in the L2 environment pre-adulthood? This book delves into the autobiographical stories of learners who achieve nativelike proficiency, opening a narrative window into their experiences and offering insights into their pathways to success. The in-depth analysis ties together a wide range of potentially relevant topics, from motivational vision and international posture to issues of identity, endurance and even musical ability, among other themes. The authors explore whether these successes can be repeated by others and the book will be of use to language teachers interested in learner motivation and the antecedents to high-level ultimate attainment. The book will also be of great interest to researchers working in the areas of language learner psychology, especially in topics concerning language learning motivation, identity and narrative inquiry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800412453
Publisher:	Channel View Publications
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Series:	Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching , #18
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Zoltán Dörnyei was a Professor of Psycholinguistics at the University of Nottingham, UK. He published extensively on second language acquisition and learner psychology, with a particular focus on language learner motivation.

Katarina Mentzelopoulos is an ESRC-funded PhD student at the University of Nottingham, UK. Her research interests include language learning motivation, multilingualism and learner identity.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Theoretical Background
2. Methodology: Identifying Participants and Documenting Their Stories
3. Defining Nativelikeness
4. A Favourable Set-Up
5. A Unique Bond with the Chosen Language
6. Cognition and Other Facilitative Learner Characteristics
7. Attention to Pronunciation
8. Intensive Effort and Strategic Learning
9. Reinforcing Relationships and Social Expectations 
10. Sources of Persistence
11. Second Language Confidence, Comfort and Ownership
12. The Question of L2 Identities
Conclusion
Appendix
References

Editorial Reviews

...the book is concise, clearly-structured, and extremely well-thought out, with chapter subheadings making the volume suitable for dipping into and out of as needed. Indeed, the breadth and depth of the new perspectives contained in the work mean that this volume is highly recommended for all scholars interested in any aspect of applied linguistics and second language acquisition [...] it would also be of relevance for language teachers and for any advanced language learners seeking to gain academic perspectives on how to proceed beyond the CEFR C2 level [...] a ground-breaking work with immense potential to influence the future scope of research in this valuable and important area.

Antony Hoyte-West

On reading this book one is left with the overwhelming impression that it is as unique and exceptional as the participants of the research project and the individual trajectories which emerge from the narratives offered during the interviews.

Mirosław Pawlak

This book provides a fascinating analysis of how highly successful language learners achieve the ultimate gold standard of ‘passing for a native speaker’. It is a deeply engaging account that offers valuable lessons for us all (language learners, teachers, researchers), and offers a poignant memory of Zoltán Dörnyei’s passionate enthusiasm for his subject.

Ema Ushioda

With this highly original book the authors have shed light on a group of learners who reached the foreign language equivalent of the top of Everest. Rather than subjecting them to endless tests and measurements, the authors listened to what they had to say about their exceptional journey.

Jean-Marc Dewaele

...the book is concise, clearly-structured, and extremely well-thought out, with chapter subheadings making the volume suitable for dipping into and out of as needed. Indeed, the breadth and depth of the new perspectives contained in the work mean that this volume is highly recommended for all scholars interested in any aspect of applied linguistics and second language acquisition [...] it would also be of relevance for language teachers and for any advanced language learners seeking to gain academic perspectives on how to proceed beyond the CEFR C2 level [...] a ground-breaking work with immense potential to influence the future scope of research in this valuable and important area.-- "Antony Hoyte-West, Independent Scholar, UK, Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisitionvol. 9 (2), 2023"

On reading this book one is left with the overwhelming impression that it is as unique and exceptional as the participants of the research project and the individual trajectories which emerge from the narratives offered during the interviews.

-- "Miroslaw Pawlak, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland, SSLLT 13 (1) 2023"

With this highly original book the authors have shed light on a group of learners who reached the foreign language equivalent of the top of Everest. Rather than subjecting them to endless tests and measurements, the authors listened to what they had to say about their exceptional journey.

-- "Jean-Marc Dewaele, Birkbeck, University of London, UK"

This book provides a fascinating analysis of how highly successful language learners achieve the ultimate gold standard of 'passing for a native speaker'. It is a deeply engaging account that offers valuable lessons for us all (language learners, teachers, researchers), and offers a poignant memory of Zoltán Dörnyei's passionate enthusiasm for his subject.-- "Ema Ushioda, University of Warwick, UK"

From the Publisher