Second Language Retention: Language Use as a Contributing Factor

Using data collected by Wesche (1993), this study examines the effect of the use of French as a second language on the performance of subjects in receptive skills (listening & reading comprehension) & productive skills (speaking & writing). The results establish a link between the use of the language after learning has occurred & the difference between pre- & post-test measures. A number of specific independent variables are examined, the most influential of which seem to be the number of university courses taken in French & the number of books read in French. The results also seem to confirm earlier findings that the initial level of proficiency promotes maintenance & even improvement. 2 Appendixes, 24 References. Adapted from the source document