A theory-based approach to the measurement of foreign language learning ability: The canal-F theory and test

This article presents a rationale, description, and partial construct validation of a new theory of foreign language aptitude: CANAL-F-Cognitive Ability for Novelty in Acquisition of Language (Foreign). The theory was applied and implemented in a test of foreign language aptitude (CANAL-FT). Three unique features differentiate the new test from many existing tests of FL aptitude. The CANAL-FT is grounded in cognitive theory, dynamic rather than static, and simulation-based. This article outlines the CANAL-F theory and details of its instrumentation through the test (CANAL-FT), discusses the psychometric properties of the CANAL-FT, and presents the first construct-validation data on the theory and test.