THE IMPACT OF INTELLIGENCE AND APTITUDE IN THE SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING: A BRIEF STUDY

Abstract

This paper focuses on the relationship between Intelligence and Aptitude, and second language learning. The definition of aptitude refers to cognitive abilities rather than attitudes and affective dimensions of learning. Aptitude measures can predict achievement in cognitive language capacity rather than ability to communicate on an interpersonal level. Two sets of intellectual abilities are involved in learning a L2. One of them is intelligence, “a general academic or reasoning ability” (Ellis 1986). As Mc Donough (1981) suggests, intelligence refers to “the capacity rather than the contents of the mind.” Initial attempts to identify successful and unsuccessful language learners focused mainly on the concept of intelligence (Gardner 1985). Intelligence is involved in the learning of other school subjects as well as an L2. It underlies “our ability to master and use a whole range of academic skills” (Ellis 1986)