Language Skill Attrition and Affecting Factors
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概要
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In the field of language learning and teaching research, much attention has been paid to aoquisition of FL/SL (foreign/second language) skills. It was not until 1980s, however, that a quenstion was raised regarding the opposite side of aoquisition: how much of this learning is retained over the years after the termination of formal (classroom) learning, when little or reduced opportunity to use the language exists. Most learners experience the disappearance of these skills gradually, i. e., attrition is at work. It is an important and inevitable question to be asked so that the tremendous efforts, in terms of time and money, made by both learning and teaching sides should be rewarded. It is particularly relevant within the FL learning context, where the exposure to and use of a FL is severely limited to the classroom. This short paper introduces several major research studies which addressed attrition/retention of adult leaners of FL/SL and focuses on the affecting factors. Studies report that the level of achievement at the end of formal language instuction is a strong factor and it shows an inverse relationship to attrition: the higher the level, the less the attrition. Attitude/ motivation toward the language learning and language use are also reported as strongly related to attrition rate in that reduced attitude/ motivation affects the use of language in FL/SL environment. The writer's research in the Japanese speaking skill attrition among U. S. students supports these findings and the level that resists attrition is tentatively set at the Advancoed High on ACTFL oral proficiency scale. Implications are drawn toward the integration of course design that would help eager students reach this level in the Japanese university system, which would include studying in the target language country.
- 久留米大学の論文