Thesis (MA (General Linguistics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research to date on language learning strategy (LLS) use and its influence on second
language (L2) acquisition and proficiency has produced variable results. While many
researchers feel that LLSs have an important role to play in L2 learning and teaching, a
clear definition and classification of LLSs, as well as clear guidelines for LLS
application and training, have yet to be established. LLS use and preference seem to be
influenced by various factors such as culture, age, level of L2 proficiency and level of
education. Therefore, results of specific studies are not necessarily applicable to
different groups of L2 learners. This thesis reports on an investigation into the LLS use
of first language (L1) isiXhosa adolescents in the acquisition of English. Using the
Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), the study examines the relationship
between LLS use as well as LLS preference and L2 proficiency, with an assessment of
the gender differences in LLS use. The study found no significant relationship between
LLS use or LLS preference and English proficiency. Also, no significant difference was
found between the reported preferred LLSs of female and male participants, although
male participants reported significantly more high-frequency LLS use, whereas female
participants reported significantly more low-frequency LLS use. Conclusions drawn
from the results of the study are discussed, followed by suggestions for future research
and a brief discussion of the implications of these results for L2 teaching and learning,
specifically in a South African context. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsing oor die gebruik van taalleerstrategieë (TLSe) en die invloed daarvan op
tweedetaal(T2-)verwerwing het tot dusver uiteenlopende resultate opgelewer. Terwyl
baie navorsers van mening is dat TLSe 'n belangrike rol het om te speel in die leer en
onderrig van 'n T2, moet 'n duidelike definisie en klassifikasie van TLSe, asook
duidelike riglyne vir TLS-aanwending en -opleiding, nog daargestel word. Die gebruik
en voorkeur van TLSe word klaarblyklik deur verskeie faktore beïnvloed, insluitend
kultuur, ouderdom, vlak van T2-vaardigheid en vlak van opvoeding. Resultate van
spesifieke studies is derhalwe nie noodwendig bruikbaar vir verskillende groepe
T2-leerders nie. Hierdie tesis lewer verslag oor ‘n ondersoek na die gebruik van TLSe
deur T1 isiXhosa adolessente in die verwerwing van Engels. Die studie stel ondersoek in
na die verhouding tussen TLS-gebruik asook -voorkeur, gemeet deur die Strategy
Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), en T2-vaardigheid, met 'n beoordeling van die
geslagsverskille in TLS-gebruik. Die studie het geen beduidende verhouding tussen
TLS-gebruik of TLS-voorkeur en Engelse vaardigheid gevind nie. Daar is ook geen
beduidende verskil tussen die aangeduide TLS-voorkeur van vroulike en manlike
deelnemers nie, hoewel manlike deelnemers beduidend meer hoë-frekwensie
TLS-gebruik aangedui het, en vroulike deelnemers beduidend meer lae-frekwensie
TLS-gebruik aangedui het. Gevolgtrekkings wat op grond van die studie gemaak is,
word bespreek, gevolg deur voorstelle vir verdere navorsing en 'n kort bespreking van
die implikasies van die resultate van hierdie studie vir T2-onderrig, veral in 'n Suid-
Afrikaanse konteks.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/4132 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Pretorius, Rentia |
| Contributors | Conradie, S., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of General Linguistics. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | Unknown |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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