Learning a second language typically makes learning a third easier. A hypothesized reason for this improved learning ability is metalinguistic awareness: the ability to consciously and explicitly think about linguistic form. The goal of this project was to investigate the relationship between metalinguistic awareness, multilingualism, and language learning. I designed a survey of language learning experiences and a series of English-language tasks, which included a think-aloud protocol. Forty-eight adults (dominant language English: 27 participants) completed the research study. No correlation was found between multilingualism and either metalinguistic awareness or language learning strategies. Furthering multilingualism research necessitates developing more effective assessments of metalinguistic awareness.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Arruda, Rebekah Q.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-051021-144017
• 23761

Keyword

• language
• multilingualism
• metalinguistic awareness
• learning

Advisor

• Danielski, Althea Marie
• Du, Wen-Hua

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-10

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-08-28