Models of second language competence: a structural equation approach

Starting with a critical discussion of the consensus reached concerning the structure of second language competence, the unitary competence hypothesis as advocated especially by Oller (1976) is then confronted with new evidence supporting a multidimensional model of foreign language ability. In order to question the plausibility of the general (unitary) factor hypothesis, its central claim, that of universal validity, is put to the test. This...