Sixty years of second language aptitude research: A systematic quantitative literature review

Second language (L2) aptitude has been broadly defined as the rate and ease of initially acquiring a second language. Historically, L2 understood stable trait that predetermined achievement, regardless individual learners’ efforts to acquire an L2. This traditional view fixed led it being relatively neglected area research within acquisition (SLA) studies. The little was in fact conducted diagnostic nature, mostly used tests such Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) select potentially gifted learners. Given six decades have passed since publication MLAT, now is good time revisit literature investigate whether continues be viewed difference interest SLA research. While summative reviews written, few systematic exist. article conducts quantitative review (SQLR) provide principled, comprehensive reproducible synthesis into published over last 60 years (1959–2019). In this SQLR, close one hundred journal articles PhD dissertations were examined discern generalisations limitations field. SQLR identifies shift rationale for testing, which focus replaced by explanatory perspective. Furthermore, our points renewed research, come characterised more nuanced sophisticated understanding concept its components.