Abstract:
This paper describes an ongoing research project on the age factor in the acquisition of German as a Second Language. The project can be divided into two smaller studies. Study 1 aims to find out if there are exceptional learners who, despite a late start in the acquisition of German, achieve native-like competence in a variety of language skills (pronunciation, grammar, pragmatics, writing, general proficiency). Study 2 investigates how frequent native like competency is among learners of different L1s. Research participants as well as the development and pretesting of the test battery are described in detail.
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