On the Relationship between Language Learning Aptitude (LLA) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) among Iranian ESL Learners

It is fundamental to any research into students’ role in any TESL program to focus on the most efficient factors accounting for successful second language acquisition (SLA). Following the same thread, this study aimed to explore the relationship between the level of Iranian ESL Learners Language Learning Aptitude (LLA) and their level of second language acquisition. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between LLA (as measured by Carroll and Sapon’s MLAT, 1983), motivation, the patterns of LLS use (based on Oxford’s SILL, 1990) and L2 acquisition. This paper endeavored to clarify and understand how these variables relate to SLA studying a group of Iranian L2 learners at Iran Language Institute (ILI). Pearson product-moment correlation revealed some relationships among the variables of LLA, motivation, LLS use, and SLA but varied in how well they predicted the individual sections of vocabulary, structure, and reading comprehension.