Hanzhen Zhu
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Lorenzo Garcia-Amaya
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Romance Languages and Literatures / LSA
Program: UROP
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors: Hanzhen Zhu, Dinah Atiqah Muhamad Taufeq, Lorenzo Garcia-Amaya
Abstract
This study analyzes the effect of language use on Second Language Acquisition (henceforth, SLA) in different learning situations, including study-abroad environments where students are immersed in a foreign language and culture. To analyze students’ language-use patterns in a study-abroad context, we have developed an updated version of the Daily Language Questionnaire (DLQ), a tool that allows for the daily assessment of language use. We utilized this tool to investigate language use trends among second language learners in a 6-week study abroad program in Spain. The participants in our study completed a daily survey about their language use, specifically whether they used more of their native language (English) or their second language (Spanish) on the previous day. Our analysis revealed that although participants decreased their use of L2 Spanish over time, they used more Spanish on days when they had classes than on days when they did not have classes. These findings are consistent with prior studies that utilized the DLQ in similar Study Abroad programs. Our study has significant implications for SLA researchers, study-abroad program administrators, and students alike. Our research findings will help to identify beneficial aspects of second language learning in the study-abroad context, aiding in the design and implementation of more effective study-abroad programs. Furthermore, the in-depth qualitative analysis employed in our study will enable researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between language learning, learners’ psychological states, and their environment.
