Breaking up is not so Hard to do: Individual Differences in L2 Memorization

Abstract: Six intermediate/advanced learners of English, studying in the United Kingdom, identified messages that they wanted to convey in specific future conversations and memorized native-like versions of them. Their ability to use them in practice and in the real conversation was analyzed. Propensity to attempt using memorized material correlated with aural-repetition aptitude, but neither propensity nor accuracy of reproduction correlated with proficiency. It is hypothesized that increased proficiency invites increased risk-taking during memorization. Individual differences in motivation and attitude, and the relationship with the interlocutor, are all discussed as salient variables.