Language Use in Six Study Abroad Programs: An Exploratory Analysis of Possible Predictors

A common predictor of language gains during study abroad (SA) is amount of language use. Yet little attention has been given to determining what factors influence the extent of language use while abroad. Studies in this area have mainly been case studies of learners in single locations. In this larg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Language learning 2014-03, Vol.64 (1), p.36-71
Main Authors: Dewey, Dan P., Bown, Jennifer, Baker, Wendy, Martinsen, Rob A., Gold, Carrie, Eggett, Dennis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
age
Age Differences
China
Chinese
Egypt
Foreign Countries
France
French
Friendship
gender
Gender Differences
intercultural competence
Language Proficiency
Language Usage
language use
Mexico
Native Speakers
Personality
Predictor Variables
Program Descriptions
Russia (Moscow)
Russian
Second Language Learning
Semitic Languages
social networks
Spain
Spanish
Student Attitudes
Study Abroad
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Summary:A common predictor of language gains during study abroad (SA) is amount of language use. Yet little attention has been given to determining what factors influence the extent of language use while abroad. Studies in this area have mainly been case studies of learners in single locations. In this larger study, we seek to determine variables connected with language use by examining 118 learners studying abroad in Madrid, Mérida (Mexico), Paris, Moscow, Nanjing, or Cairo. These learners reported their second language (L2) use over a 1‐week period during their stay. Significant predictors of reported L2 use include SA program, age, pre‐departure language proficiency, number of native speaker friends, gender, and personality.
ISSN:0023-8333
1467-9922
DOI:10.1111/lang.12031