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Language Use in Six Study Abroad Programs: An Exploratory Analysis of Possible Predictors
Author(s) -
Dewey Dan P.,
Bown Jennifer,
Baker Wendy,
Martinsen Rob A.,
Gold Carrie,
Eggett Dennis
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
language learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.882
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1467-9922
pISSN - 0023-8333
DOI - 10.1111/lang.12031
Subject(s) - study abroad , psychology , exploratory research , language proficiency , first language , personality , language assessment , second language , linguistics , mathematics education , social psychology , pedagogy , sociology , social science , philosophy
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.