Unveiling the Overlooked Negative Effects that are Spawned by Cognitive Ability on L2 Learning: Bridging the Research Gap

Abstract

Although cognitive ability is essential to second language acquisition (SLA), there can be major obstacles associated with it. This study looks into how cognitive ability affects Chinese adults preparing for the IELTS exam by having them learn English. We discovered via a number of experiments (62 Chinese students took part in) that adult learners frequently rely on well-known language systems, which can result in inefficiency and lower-quality language output. These results point to a possible detrimental relationship between cognitive ability and SLA, especially in adults who have passed the critical age. By examining these effects from linguistic, neurological, and psychological angles, the study provides insights into the ways in which cognitive factors can facilitate or impede language acquisition.