外向性、内向性と外国語学習に関する一考察 : アメリカに留学する高校生の調査より

抄録

Extroversion has long been regarded as a quality that facilitates language learning because extroverted individuals tend to have willingness to speak out and interact. This, however, has not been confirmed by empirical research conducted in the past which mainly investigated the relationship between extroversion and English proficiency. In this study Japanese high school students' English proficiency as assessed by a standard English test and in interviews was correlated with extroversion scores assessed through a personality indicator. The result supported the past research, indicating no correlation between the two. In a study of the same high school students' intercultural adjustment in the U.S., extroversion was found to play an important role: extroversion was a strong indicator of the students' satisfaction in the interpersonal relationships with American friends and host families as well as self-assessed English communication effectiveness. It was also found that extroverted students used social skills more frequently and created opportunities to interact with Americans more than introverted students. Although no direct correlation between personality and language acquisition was examined, the above results imply the role of extroversion in determining quality and quantity of intercultural interpersonal contact which could affect the language learning process. An implication of these findings to oral communication teaching is discussed.