Earticle

초록

영어

Although working memory (WM) and language aptitude (LA) are essential cognitive skills for second language learning, their stability and sensitivity to experience remain debated. Language acquisition is considered a unique skill and a reliable indicator of learning success, with age and exposure influencing development. Cognitive models suggest that practice may continue to promote growth beyond early learning phases, but empirical data on whether these capacities, especially in listening, change with experience are limited. This study investigated the relationship between WM, LA, and Chinese listening competence in 306 learners aged 18–29 from 64 countries. Participants completed listening tests, aptitude tasks, and a Language History Questionnaire across 108 cross-sectional assessments and 15 longitudinal follow-ups spanning three months to two years. The longitudinal subset included 15 valid datasets from learners with HSK 3–5 proficiency (CEFR B1–B2), motivated by teaching, business, or joint ventures. Results show that longer learning duration and sustained use of Chinese significantly improved listening proficiency, particularly in socially immersive environments. In contrast, neither LA nor WM exhibited significant change over the study period, indicating substantial cognitive stability. Listening performance was primarily predicted by phonetic coding and executive WM, which accounted for a substantial portion of variance. Learners with higher levels of these abilities consistently achieved better outcomes. The findings address three theoretical questions. First, aptitude and proficiency are distinct constructs: aptitude reflects underlying learning capacity, whereas proficiency denotes achieved skill. Second, changes in proficiency do not necessarily entail changes in aptitude, as longitudinal analyses showed improvements in listening did not correspond with significant changes in auditory language aptitude (ALA). Third, quantitative variation in proficiency was not associated with detectable qualitative changes in aptitude within the follow-up period, underscoring the relative stability of phonological coding and executive WM. Several limitations should be noted. The longitudinal sample was small, with only two measurement points over three months, limiting power to detect subtle changes. Participant diversity and short tracking periods may have contributed to variability beyond experimental control. Future research should involve larger and more homogeneous samples, multiple measurement waves, and extended follow-up, potentially incorporating native and second language competence tests to examine mediating effects. Pedagogically, the findings indicate that instructors should consider learners’ linguistic backgrounds when designing listening instruction or aptitude-based interventions, as individual differences influence the effectiveness of auditory training. Overall, WM and LA shape early learning efficiency while maintaining long-term stability, highlighting their importance for predicting and enhancing listening outcomes in diverse second language learners.

목차

Abstract
1. Introduction
1.1. Research Questions
2. Research Design
2.1. Models and conceptual frameworks of LA
2.2. Selection and administration methods of LA tests
2.3. Relationship between study duration and language aptitude
3. Research process and results
3.1. Procedure
3.2. Methods
3.3. Participants
3.4. Analysis of learning duration (LD) and language history background information
3.5. Definition of Chinese listening proficiency
3.6. Relationship model between LA and CLPT and its validity verification
3.7. Relationship model between LA and CLPT and its validity verification
4. Research process and results
4.1. The Composition of Chinese ALA
4.2. Analysis of the predictive power of ALA for LP
4.3. Analysis of the relationship between LD, LP, and ALA
4.4. Utilization of the findings from this research
5. Conclusion and Prospect
5.1. Research conclusion
5.2. Research Outlook
References

키워드

저자

• Chen, Yu [ Zhejiang Normal University, China ] Corresponding Author

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  Journal of China Studies

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  1975-5902

• eISSN

  3022-5590

• 수록기간

  2006~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재

• 십진분류

  KDC 912 DDC 951