Social networks, target language interaction and second language acquisition during the year abroad: a longitudinal study

Residence abroad is a key experience for university students studying languages, and most benefit from it greatly. However, students' language development during residence abroad is variable, and the factors influencing this variability are not well understood. Previous small scale research has suggested that students' social networks while abroad are a key influence on progress; however a better understanding is needed of these networks, how they develop over time, and how language proficiency interacts with language use. This project will track 50 UK undergraduates studying French and Spanish before, during and after their year abroad. The students' language proficiency will be measured before departure, and they will be visited three times while abroad, in France, Spain and Mexico. During these visits, their proficiency will be measured again, and detailed information will be gathered about their language use patterns and evolving social networks, through questionnaires, interviews and direct observations of daily life. On their return to the UK, language development will again be measured. Project findings will inform theoretical understandings of advanced language learning, and its relationship with social interaction. In addition, practical guidance will be developed for students and their teachers, on creating and using supportive social networks when abroad.