How Does the Artificial Language Test Measure Language-Learning Ability?
The Artificial Language Test is a 50-question written test that is designed to simulate the grammatical and syntactical structures of neo-Latin languages such as Spanish and French. During the test, examinees receive a training booklet which teaches a variety of grammatical rules and demonstrates how to apply those rules using an artificial language. Examinees, for example, are taught how to form feminine and masculine singular nouns, pronouns, and adjectives; and feminine and masculine plural nouns, pronouns, and adjectives. In addition, examinees learn how to form verbs, adjectives, and adverbs; and the possessive of nouns and pronouns. The training booklet includes a glossary of “words” in the artificial language. Examinees are allowed sufficient time to study the training booklet, after which they answer test questions which require them to apply all of the rules they have learned. They are allowed to keep and refer to the training booklet throughout the testing session. Consequent
