Personality And Emotional Intelligence In Second Language Learning

This book addresses a particularly important area of second language acquisition research, specifically the factors that mediate learning outcomes in learning a second or foreign language. It provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of studies in the field of second language learning and L2 use from the point of view of personality traits and emotional intelligence. It also presents results of a mixed-method study researching the possible influence of these variables on the process of learning a second language. Furthermore, the book represents the first systematic exploration of the role of emotional intelligence and the factors related to it in moderating attainment in the target language. What is also unique here is the investigation of the role of personality with respect to different target language skills and subsystems, which allows finer-grained insights into this relationship. The book will be of considerable interest to both researchers, teachers and students in the fields of SLA, TESOL, applied linguistics, and bilingualism.

This book addresses a particularly important area of second language acquisition research, specifically the factors that mediate learning outcomes in learning a second or foreign language. It provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of studies in the field of second language learning and L2 use from the point of view of personality traits and emotional intelligence. It also presents results of a mixed-method study researching the possible influence of these variables on the process of learning a second language. Furthermore, the book represents the first systematic exploration of the role of emotional intelligence and the factors related to it in moderating attainment in the target language. What is also unique here is the investigation of the role of personality with respect to different target language skills and subsystems, which allows finer-grained insights into this relationship. The book will be of considerable interest to both researchers, teachers and students in the fields of SLA, TESOL, applied linguistics, and bilingualism.

The book explores the relationships between the personality traits of Polish university students learning English as a foreign language and their use of language learning strategies (LLS). It provides a solid theoretical background for the investigation of the interface between the two constructs, describes the applied analytical procedures in detail, and reports the results and implications of a large-scale study. Chapter 1 presents multiple perspectives on the investigation of human personality and presents insights from a selection of studies into the role of personality in foreign language learning. Chapter 2 addresses the construct of LLS, while Chapter 3 links strategy use to other individual learner characteristics, with a focus on personality. Chapter 4 sets the methodological framework for the empirical investigation, describes the rationale for conducting the study, and includes a thorough description of analytical procedures. Chapter 5 presents the results of the study and highlights their pedagogical implications. Finally, limitations of the study are presented and some directions for future research are suggested. The monograph will be of interest to scholars investigating the role of personality in SLA as well as graduate and postgraduate students in applied linguistics.

Situated at the interface between study abroad and second language acquisition research, this book adopts a threefold thematic focus to study abroad and the language learner, investigating learner beliefs about study abroad, learner experiences of study abroad in relation to a range of individual, cultural and social factors, and the nature of learner development while abroad at an intercultural, personal and linguistic level. Chapters present studies of learners in different geographical contexts, with different first and second language combinations. The studies draw on different methodologies, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches. Presenting findings with implications for learner preparation, expectations and support during study abroad, and highlighting developmental issues within second language acquisition, Study Abroad and the Second Language Learner will be of interest to all study abroad and second language acquisition researchers, as well as programme organisers, language instructors and other stake holders.

This book offers a valuable contribution to the discussion on the complexities of L2 learning processes that pose a challenge to learners. Focusing on the cognitive, affective and socio-cultural perspectives, the papers included provide important insights into the individual’s experiences in second language acquisition. This work also addresses social interactions and cultural background, shedding new light on their role in the context in L2 learning processes. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges of foreign-language (FL) learning and teaching.

This edited volume offers an insightful theoretical conceptualization of issues central to 21st century foreign language learning and teaching. Drawing on research results obtained in the fields of pedagogy, social psychology and sociology of education, this book provides a comprehensive practical exploration of issues experienced by researchers in Poland and in Europe, and which can easily find far-reaching implications in other educational contexts. Part I, Focus on the Teacher, includes seven texts discussing topics relevant to teacher initial and in-service education, as well as the functioning of foreign language instructors in educational systems. The eight contributions included in Part II, Focus on the Learner, explore learner-internal and learner-external factors that affect the effectiveness of the language learning process. The exploration of key contemporary topics and the wide range of methodologies applied make this book of high relevance to Second Language Acquisition scholars, teacher educators, teachers, and language education policy makers.

This book introduces readers to the principles of a fairly new branch of psychology – positive psychology – and demonstrates how they can be applied in the context of second language acquisition in a natural environment and in instructed foreign language (FL) learning. It focuses both on the well-being and success of the learner and the professional and personal well-being of the teacher. Further, the book stresses the importance of the positive emotions and character strengths of those involved in the process of language learning and teaching, as well as the significant role played by enabling institutions such as school and, at the micro-level, individual FL classes.

This state-of-the-art volume is the first to capture a hybrid discipline that studies the role and linguistic implications of the human mind in language learning and teaching. This Handbook considers individual as well as collective factors in language learners and teachers from an array of new empirical constructs and theoretical perspectives, including implications for practice and “myths, debates, and disagreements” in the field, and points to future directions for research. This collection of stellar contributions is an essential resource for researchers, advanced students, and teachers working in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, psychology, and education.