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In Korea, the pressure for students to learn English is ongoing and often this pressure begins before elementary school, but does it actually help with the acquisition of spoken English? This study investigates which of numerous factors most influenced the speaking ability of university freshmen. Using questionnaires and oral testing with 203 female participants, it was determined that five factors had a significant influence on speaking ability. From most to least important they were: 1) concepts of themselves as learners and their feelings about English; 2) age; 3) the total amount of time spent with visual media, songs, and tutors before elementary school; 4) how often they read or surfed the internet in English; and 5) the total amount of time spent at language institutes or academies studying English. Self-esteem and age being important factors in second language learning are not new concepts. However, the results of this study also imply that children should be exposed to enjoyable English early and, later, to English in more authentic contexts, whether it be reading for pleasure or attending a language institute. |
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