Social and Cultural Capital of Unsuccessful Foreign Language Learners in Hungary

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
In our study we examined the issue of unsuccessful language learning, focusing on a specific segment of the student population, the group of students who completed their university studies but did not obtain a degree due to lack of language exam. On the one hand, we sought answers to the question of the impact of demographic and socio-economic variables and language-specific cultural and social capital on the chances of obtaining a language proficiency exam. We also sought to find out to what extent the type of secondary school and academic achievement influence the success rate of language learning. In addition, we also wanted to find answers to the question of which language learning strategies increase the chances of obtaining a language proficiency exam. For both our databases, we used an online data collection method in the form of a questionnaire. It was sent out to those graduates of two universities in the eastern part of Hungary who did not get a degree after completing their studies due to lack of language examination, and who had already passed the language examination as an undergraduate. The returnees formed the two databases: Unsuccessful language learners 2019-2021 (N=560) and Successful language learners 2021 (N=820). For a national perspective we used the FIR 2017 database, which collected data on 96459 individuals. A new finding is that unsuccessful language learners have on average lower social and cultural capital, parents with lower educational attainment, and friends with lower language skills. Overall, in terms of language learning methods, those who were successful were likely to have been influenced by digitalization. Furthermore, the indirect effect of highly educated parents is also evident.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Zita Somfalvi acquired her first degree in 2004 as an English language teacher and social pedagogue. She has gained work experience in primary, secondary, adult, and higher education. She joined the University of Nyíregyháza four years ago, she is a senior lecturer. She received her PhD degree in 2023.