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LOW PERSONAL NEED FOR STRUCTURE AND GERMAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

S. Stancekova, S. Durkova

First published: 2019https://doi.org/10.5593/SWS.ISCAH.2019.1/S14.093View metrics

Abstract

Current trends in applied linguistics research point to the importance of uncertainty tolerance i.e. low personal need for structure because it affects the development of communicative skills and linguistic self-confidence. In this study, we investigate the correlation of successful performance in German language with the low personal need for structure. Low personal need for structure represents one of the learning styles, the ability of an individual to tolerate ambiguity, the ability to work independently with new impulses without feeling frustrated. The aim of this study is, therefore, to find out whether German language proficiency is related to the low need for structure. We used the research methods, such as scales of the personal need for structure and a didactic test of foreign language competences in German language (tests were developed according to ISCED 2, level A2 and B1) on the sample of 172 learners of primary and secondary schools in Bratislava, Slovakia, aged 13 to 18 years. The results show that there is a correlation between low PNS and linguistic competence, while in the lower age group (primary school) the relationship does not appear, in the higher age group (secondary school) a negative correlation can be seen.

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Publication details

Title
LOW PERSONAL NEED FOR STRUCTURE AND GERMAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Authors
S. Stancekova, S. Durkova
Proceedings
6th SWS International Scientific Conference on Arts and Humanities ISCAH 2019
Publisher
STEF92 Technology
Year
2019
Pages
729-734
SWS Citekey
Stancekova201914729734
ISSN
2682-9940
ISBN
978-619-7408-90-4
Language
en
Publication type
Proceedings Paper
Keywords
Personal Need for StructureSecond Language Acquisitionlanguage proficiency
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