Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.22210/strjez/54-2/5
The Influence of Age and Educational Level on Learners’ Attitudes and Beliefs Towards Learning Croatian as a Foreign Language
Marija Konsuo Kuzmanić
; Sveučilište u Dubrovniku
Rebeka Milković
orcid.org/0009-0001-0919-4169
; Baština Dubrovačkog primorja
Sažetak
The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of learners attending
Croatian as a second language courses, with particular regard to their age and level
of education. Given that the majority of foreign workers and immigrants come to Croatia
for seasonal employment in the tourism sector, where proficiency in English is generally sufficient,
the acquisition of Croatian is often neglected. However, with prolonged residence,
the limitations of English become apparent, and proficiency in Croatian becomes necessary.
In order to facilitate a more effective language learning process, it is crucial to examine the
learners’ attitudes and beliefs regarding language acquisition. This study utilized the BALLI
(Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory) questionnaire, developed by Elaine K. Horwitz.
The research was conducted with participants in Croatian as a foreign language programs
(learning levels A1.1–A2.1) at the Language Centre of the University of Dubrovnik. Ninety
respondents took part (N=90). The survey was carried out during the 2024/25 academic year.
The BALLI questionnaire consists of a series of statements evaluated using a Likert-type scale
of agreement. The results of this study show that age and level of education influence attitudes
toward learning Croatian as a second language.
Ključne riječi
BALLI; motivation; attitudes; beliefs; Croatian as a foreign language; foreign language learning
Hrčak ID:
346082
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.2.2026.
Posjeta: 185 *