Testing Language Aptitude for Chinese Learners of Foreign Languages

doi:10.1017/9781009076463.009

6 - Testing Language Aptitude for Chinese Learners of Foreign Languages

FLAT-C vs. LLAMA

from Part II - Aptitude Testing of Diverse Groups

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 May 2023

Haiyong Zhao ,

Shaoqian (Sheila) Luo and

Ailan Fu

Edited by

Zhisheng (Edward) Wen ,

Peter Skehan and

Richard L. Sparks

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Zhisheng (Edward) Wen: Affiliation:
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Peter Skehan: Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London
Richard L. Sparks: Affiliation:
Mount St Joseph University

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Summary

The current study explored the concurrent and criterion-related validity of the Foreign Language Aptitude Test for Chinese Learners of Foreign Languages (FLAT-C) with LLAMA as the aptitude test external criterion, and the final-term English test as the criterion regarding achievement. The results show that although the FLAT-C is related to LLAMA, the two language aptitude tests have clear differences; FLAT-C explained 8.5% of the variance in English achievement, which is higher than predictions using LLAMA. The current study provides empirical evidence for the validation of FLAT-C, which is helpful and meaningful to advancing the theory, tests, research, and practice of foreign language aptitude in China.

Keywords

Language aptitude LLAMA FLAT-C concurrent validity language aptitude test predictive validity

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Type: Chapter
Information: Language Aptitude Theory and Practice , pp. 119 - 149

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009076463.009 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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