A study of retrospective and concurrent foreign language learning experiences: A comparative interview study in Hungary
Journal Title: Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching - Year 2019, Vol 9, Issue 1
Abstract
Despite the fact that the influence of learning experiences on foreign language learning motivation has been widely acknowledged and emphasised, there are hardly any studies concentrating on these learning experiences. Hence, the aim of this study is to map the language learning experiences of former and current language learners in order to provide a detailed account of the possible components of the foreign language learning experience. Data were collected with the help of a qualitative interview schedule involving 22 language learners in two subsamples. Ten participants are English language teachers as former foreign language learners, while 12 students, current learners of English, have also been recruited. The most important result of our study is that foreign language learning experience seems to be a complex construct including immediate and present aspects as well as self-related components and attributions. Language learning success, the teacher’s personality, contact experiences, as well as attitudes towards the L2 seem to stand out as important components for both groups of learners. Apart from discussing the differences and similarities between retrospective and concurrent experiences, we will provide pedagogical and research-related implications as well.
Authors and Affiliations
Kata Csizér, Csaba Kálmán
Transitional woes: On the impact of L2 input continuity from primary to secondary school
In this paper, we discuss the problem of articulation between levels in the educational system, as the transition from a rather more communicative, contentbased and holistic approach to English as a foreign language (EFL...
The impact of semester-abroad experiences on post-sojourn L2 motivation
Numerous studies have examined sojourners’ L2 motivation during their stay abroad. Much remains unknown about the impact of study abroad (SA) experiences on their L2 motivation after they return to the home environment....
EFL teacher motivation in-situ: Co-adaptive processes, openness and relational motivation over interacting timescales
This paper presents an exploratory case study of the classroom motivational dynamics of an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher at a Japanese technology college. The article examines how motivation evolved in-cont...
Review of Third age learners of foreign languages; Editor: Danuta Gabryś-Barker; Publisher: Multilingual Matters, 2018; ISBN: 9781783099405; Pages: 256
Book review
Digitally-supported language exchanges in primary school: The AlpConnectar project
This article presents the design, implementation and outcomes of AlpConnectar, a Swiss project that exploits technologies for digitally-supported language exchange (LE) in primary schools. Launched in 2013, the project i...