Affective Factors and Language Exposure in Second Language Learning1

The constellation of personality and language exposure factors associated with learning French as a second language was examined among students enrolled in different second language programs–Early Immersion, Late Immersion or FSL. It was found that use of English with acquaintances was negatively associated with performance on the oral production measure and the Test de Rendement en Français, and shyness was similarly negatively associated with reading skills in French. There were significant interactions between language program and the following predictor variables–use of French with strangers, use of English with acquaintances, conformity and control. There was a significant positive relationship between the personality traits of conformity and control and language proficiency in an FSL program, but not in Immersion programs. An interpretation of these interactions is presented in terms of the language learning demands of the Immersion and FSL programs.