Explaining differences in second language acquisition , Date: 2017.01.24, format: project (finished), area: Authority

Why do certain groups of countries of origin need longer than others when it comes to acquiring a second language and therefore do worse in punctual measurements? A variety of explanations for this are discussed in the research project.

Integration courses are the central integration service provided by the State for people in Germany who have a migration background. The integration course helps people both to learn German as well as to familiarise themselves with important aspects of life in Germany. The courses have been concluded with the "German Test for Immigrants" since 1 July 2009. The integration course aims for its attendees to reach language level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which at the same time is a prerequisite for permanent residence or naturalisation.

Different pass rates in the German test for Immigrants

The "German Test for Immigrants" pass rates of integration course attendees differ depending on the origins of the examination candidates. "Origin"/"nationality" however does not explain exclusively differences in success or failure when it comes to acquiring a second language. The striking characteristic of "origin"/"nationality" conceals several factors which are more relevant to second language acquisition and which apply to the individual groups of countries of origin in different constellations. These include factors such as age, education, intentions to stay, motivation to learn, contact with Germans, media usage, as well as personality-related aspects. However, differing opportunities to already have come into contact with the German language over a lifetime, such as opportunities to learn German at the place of origin, or linguistic heterogeneity in the region of origin, may correlate with "origin"/"nationality". What is more, differences in the characteristics of a language course, such as the ethnic composition of the course attendees or the learning model, could also play a role when it comes to acquiring a second language.

What factors contribute towards second language acquisition?

This project compiled factors that are considered to be relevant to second language acquisition and collected knowledge on the extent to which they influence the success of second language acquisition. This included carrying out secondary analyses of data records which have already been collected by the Federal Office of Migration and Refugees.

The results are published in Working Paper 72 "How to: Learn German quickly and successfully!".