Original scientific paper

KNOWLEDGE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND PLURILINGUAL COMPETENCE UPON COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION

Irena Horvatić Čajko ; Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb

Abstract

he article presents the results of the research regarding fi rst year student opinions about knowledge of foreign languages upon the completion of high school and on the level of competence in the fi rst and second foreign language. Two factors that infl uence competence in a foreign language are tested – the length of studying and use of the language in non-teaching situations. Attitudes on the infl uence of prior knowledge of the mother tongue (L1) and fi rst foreign language (L2) on learning another foreign language (L3) was statistically analyzed. A signifi cant correlation and their language and language learning awareness have been established. The same goes for the correlation between participants’ ability to establish relationships of L1 and L2 with L3 and the role of the teacher in promoting plurilingualism. A positive correlation was also confi rmed between participants’ language and language learning awareness and the role of the teacher. It can be concluded that there is a need for more intense, theoretical and practical considerations of the possibility of the third language methodology and didactics within both foreign language and mother tongue teaching.

Keywords

first foreign language (L2); knowledge of foreign languages; language awareness; language learning awareness; the mother tongue (L1); plurilingual teaching methodology or third language teaching methodology; plurilingualism; second foreign language (L3)

Hrčak ID:

40819

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/40819

Publication date:

23.6.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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