Individual differences in early instructed language learning: The role of language aptitude, cognition, and motivation

Raphael Berthele is Professor in multilingualism at the University of Fribourg. He studied and worked at the Universities of Fribourg, Tübingen, Berkeley, and Berne. He co-founded the Fribourg Institute of Multilingualism in 2008. Currently he directs the MA programmes in Multilingualism studies and in foreign language pedagogy. His research interests cover different areas from cognitive to social aspects of multilingualism. During the last years, he has focused on the empirical investigation of receptive multilingualism, on the acquisition of literacy skills in multilinguals, on spatial reference in bi- and multilinguals, and on individual differences in language learning.

Isabelle Udry is a researcher and lecturer at the Institute of Multilingualism at the University of Fribourg and the Zurich University of Teacher Education. She is interested in cognitive processes that underlie multilingualism and foreign language learning and how they can contribute to the development of teaching methodology. Her research focuses on individual differences in language learning, creativity and multilingualism, language aptitude, and the role of digital technology in the foreign language classroom.