Multilingual learners’ perceptions of cross-linguistic distances: a proposal for a visual psychotypological measure

Recent research suggests that psychotypology may be one of the main factors determining L3 acquisition and use, especially so in early stages. However, existence nature multilingual learners’ perception language proximity have often only been assumed rather than measured, rarely addressed with respect to increasingly established understanding mind as a complex interconnected system. The present study examines phonological group 44 multilinguals (aged 12–13), by means visual psychotypological measure. All participants had same repertoires, English always being their L2, but German Polish either L1 or L3. This specific mirror-image design tapped potential role status. results show largely coincided actual typology, identifying English-German most similar. an effect was found well; while perceived three pairs more equidistant, clearly distinguished between them. data also showed individual variability, confirming need recognize unique driving force multilingual’s learning process.