Use of Language Learning Strategies by Spanish Adults for Mastering Business English
by Judge, Jeffrey Wallace, Ph.D., WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 2010, 180 pages; 3428222

Abstract:

Research of language learning strategy (LLS) has provided insight for language learners from many international cultures since this branch of research began in the 1970s. Despite the urgent need for competence in the use of business English in Western Europe, LLS studies have not been conducted on Spanish adults who use English for business. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the LLS of Spanish adults in a business context. The research questions explored the specific LLS used by Spanish adults in business communication tasks such as delivering presentations, writing e-mails, talking on the phone, and attending meetings. In addition, this study addressed the cultural influences on LLS from the Spanish educational system with the influence from current and historical events in Spain. The conceptual framework was the Oxford LLS model. These qualitative data were collected through 11 semistructured, in-depth interviews with Spanish business people who use English in their work and who studied English in Spanish secondary school. The data were analyzed following Hatch's typological analysis, using five business tasks, the secondary school English learning experiences, and current and historical events in Spain as the predetermined typologies. The results showed a strong tendency towards cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies in business tasks. Cultural influences included the media, the past political situation in Spain, and general issues in the English class in Spanish secondary schools. This study will contribute to social change by informing practice in an unresearched population, which can help both English language teachers and students in Spain by providing a deeper understanding of the language learning habits of this study population.

 
AdviserKurt Schoch
SchoolWALDEN UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 72-01, p. , Dec 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEnglish as a second language; Adult education; Business education
Publication Number3428222
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3428222
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.