Language learning aptitude in older adults

Recent developments in language learning aptitude research have generated renewed interest in the topic, especially with regard to the distinction between aptitude for explicit and implicit learning. This work is complemented by ongoing improvements to the LLAMA aptitude test. To date, studies of aptitude have relied primarily on data from younger adults and adolescents, although the importance of understanding older adults’ abilities and needs is increasingly being acknowledged. In a first attempt to assess the suitability of existing aptitude measures for older adults, to establish the relationship between aptitude for explicit and implicit learning in such a population, and to explore the role of other individual difference variables, 64 healthy volunteers aged 61–79 completed the LLAMA and a probabilistic serial reaction time (SRT) task. We examined to what extent participants’ occupational status, chronological age, level of multilingualism, self-concept, emotional state and leisure activities were associated with their performance on the aptitude measures. Both the LLAMA and the SRT proved challenging for the participants, but the hypothesised distinction between implicit and explicit aptitude was supported empirically. We found that retired participants were at a disadvantage on implicit aptitude measures compared with participants who were still working. Level of multilingualism and a more positive self-concept in terms of memory and cognition correlated with performance on the implicit aptitude measures, while age had an impact on performance on the explicit aptitude measures. We discuss possible interpretations of these results in the context of existing research on third-age language learning and use.