37.2519, Books: Towards an Integrative Theory of Language Aptitude: Freeborn (2026)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2519. Thu Jul 30 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.2519, Books: Towards an Integrative Theory of Language Aptitude: Freeborn (2026)

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Date: 30-Jul-2026
From: Jan Martin [lotdissertations-fgw at uva.nl]
Subject: Towards an Integrative Theory of Language Aptitude: Freeborn (2026)


Title: Towards an Integrative Theory of Language Aptitude
Series Title: LOT Dissertation Series
Publication Year: 2026

Publisher: Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistics / Landelijke
(LOT)
           http://www.lotpublications.nl/
Book URL: https://dx.medra.org/10.48273/LOT0720

Author(s): Lani Freeborn

Paperback
ISBN: 978-94-6093-505-3
Pages: 211
Price: 36 euros

Abstract:

This dissertation works towards an integrative theory of language
aptitude, exploring how multiple learner characteristics jointly
influence second language learning. Drawing on Snow’s theory of
aptitude complexes, this research conceptualizes language aptitude as
a system of interacting components from across cognitive, affective,
and conative domains. The first part of this dissertation examines
network analysis as a methodological tool. Chapter 2 shows that
network analysis can reveal complex relationships in cross-sectional
data, highlighting variable importance and interactions without
predefined predictors and outcomes. Chapter 3 extends network analysis
to time-series data from a 32-week Dutch course, demonstrating how
learner states (e.g., anxiety, motivation, and engagement) evolve over
time and interact differently within and between individuals.
The second part of this dissertation reports findings from a large,
empirical study of learners of Dutch in the Netherlands. Chapter 4
identifies five interconnected domains of learner individual
differences, including cognitive abilities, proficiency level and use,
motivation and effort, self-beliefs and emotion, and pro-social
behaviours. Learning gains were associated with lower external
pressure and higher multilingualism, with proficiency and length of
residence moderating other relationships. Chapter 5 identifies five
learner profiles based on these domains, ranging from broadly positive
to negative and mixed profiles, though these profiles did not
significantly differ in learning outcomes. Overall, the dissertation
highlights the value of examining multiple interacting factors in
language learning and positions network analysis as a promising
exploratory approach for developing a more comprehensive theory of
language aptitude.

Linguistic Field(s): Language Acquisition

Subject Language(s): Dutch (nld, dutc1256)




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