Characteristics of a successful language learner
Exposure to input in a foreign language and practice alone do not generally push students to higher levels of proficiency, but some students are able to become native-like. Evidence suggests that successful learners tend to exhibit the following core characteristics:
They have access to quality instruction that provides explicit explanations of complex language structures and pragmatic and sociolinguistic norms that are often implied in the language.
They engage actively and attentively in the process of language acquisition, exhibiting "a sharper" cognitive ability (the ability to focus on and pick up differences between their native language and target language).
They seek out practice opportunities (e.g., going to public places, like restaurants and cultural events where the language is spoken) demonstrating self-motivation and learner autonomy.
They have a good ear, tenacity, and desire to do a good job that requires the second language (instrumental motivation).
Besides, successful learners tend to have • upbringing in a multilingual neighborhood; • background in a multilingual home or a native-speaking spouse (or significant other); and • experience abroad (particularly, in going to school with native speakers or in holding a job abroad in the same capacity as a native speaker). [1]
[1] Leaver, B.L. & and Campbell, C. (2014). Experience with higher levels of proficiency. In T. Brown & J. Bown (Eds.), To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Theory and Methods for Developing Superior Second Language Ability (pp. 3-21). Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press.
