Research Project

Language Learning Aptitude in Older Adults

Principal Investigators
Karen Roehr-Brackin
Vanessa Loaiza

Exploring language learning aptitude in older adults

In this project, Dr Karen Roehr-Brackin and Dr Vanessa Loaiza explore language learning aptitude in older adults aged 60 to 80 and its relationship to biographical factors such as socio-economic status, lifestyle choices and prior language learning experience. Language learning aptitude refers to the capacity for learning new languages, which to date has mostly been studied in younger adults and adolescents.

This new study is a pilot project aimed at preparing the ground for a larger investigation into whether participation in a foreign language learning programme can contribute to building cognitive reserve in older adults, and which factors predict older adults’ foreign language learning success.

Get in touch
Centre for Research in Language Development throughout the Lifespan (LaDeLi) University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 872083
Department of Language and Linguistics University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 872083