Exploring Grit: “Grit Linguistics” and Research on Domain-General Grit and L2 Grit

Abstract

Grit is described as a unitary construct comprised of two elements, perseverance of effort (PE, or ongoing hard work) and consistency of interest (CI, referred to as “passion”). PE and CI together equate to success or achievement, according to the creator of the construct, Angela Duckworth (2016). Grit, which has supporters and detractors, says success is more dependent on PE and CI than on natural talent (Duckworth, 2016). This article presents “grit linguistics,” including the linguistic background of overall grit, PE, and CI and the appropriation of words from other fields into the grit vocabulary. This is followed by research on domain-general grit (grit across domains or areas) and domain-specific grit (L2 grit, i.e., grit for learning a second or foreign language). In addition, the article offers suggestions for future conceptions and assessment of grit.