The dynamic nature of individual experiences in study abroad : motivational perspectives, language contact and the development of social relationships
Drawing on a number of theoretical frameworks in second language acquisition, the current study investigates a group of American learners of Spanish (N=73) as they spend a semester in Spain, studying in either Barcelona or Granada. Individual differences such as pre-program L2 proficiency, attitudes and motivational perspectives are examined in order to determine if they have any relationship with the studentsâ development of social relationships while abroad, with a particular focus on the studentsâ interactions, or lack thereof, with Spanish speakers. The study also employs a longitudinal approach in order to trace any changes in these affective variables. Data from observations and informal interviews are utilised to support the analysis and uncover any emergent themes which can be seen to impact on the residence abroad. The findings indicate that the studentsâ experiences are extremely varied, especially when comparing those who study in Barcelona with those who study in Granada. Attitude and motivational orientations also change dramatically throughout the SA program, with most tending to decline over the period of time abroad. The results suggest that such changes are largely dictated by the individual
Cigliana, Kassie
The dynamic nature of individual experiences in study abroad : motivational perspectives, language contact and the development of social relationships. Drawing on a number of theoretical frameworks in second language acquisition, the current study investigates a group of American learners of Spanish (N=73) as they spend a semester in Spain, studying in either Barcelona or Granada. Individual differences such as pre-program L2 proficiency, attitudes and motivational perspectives are examined in order to determine if they have any relationship with the studentsâ development of social relationships while abroad, with a particular focus on the studentsâ interactions, or lack thereof, with Spanish speakers. The study also employs a longitudinal approach in order to trace any changes in these affective variables. Data from observations and informal interviews are utilised to support the analysis and uncover any emergent themes which can be seen to impact on the residence abroad. The findings indicate that the studentsâ experiences are extremely varied, especially when comparing those who study in Barcelona with those who study in Granada. Attitude and motivational orientations also change dramatically throughout the SA program, with most tending to decline over the period of time abroad. The results suggest that such changes are largely dictated by the individual
dynamic nature individual_experience study abroad motivational perspective language_contact development social_relationship drawing number_theoretical framework second_language_acquisition current study_investigates group american learner spanish spend spain study either individual differences pre program proficiency attitudes motivational perspective examine order_determine relationship student development social_relationship abroad particular_focus student interaction lack thereof spanish speaker study also_employ longitudinal order trace_change affective variable data observation informal interview utilised support analysis uncover emergent theme see impact residence abroad finding indicate student experience extremely vary especially compare study study attitude motivational orientation also change dramatically throughout program tend decline period_time abroad suggest change largely dictate individual