engleski

Language Learning Strategies in English and Croatian Sign Language as Foreign Languages

Within the cognitive learning theory, language learning strategies proved to be relevant for successful language learning. The present paper discusses the results of the research of language learning strategies use within the context of learning English and Croatian Sign Language (HZJ) as foreign languages. The instrument used to investigate the use of strategies was Strategy Inventory for Language Learning – SILL questionnaire (Oxford, 1990). This Likert scale questionnaire comprises six different types of language learning strategies: memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective and social strategies. Participants were 90 students at the University of Zagreb, Croatia: 50 female students from Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences and 40 female students from Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences. Significant differences were established in the frequency of use, as well as in the types of strategies used, depending on the language being learned. Participants who learn both languages use all types of language learning strategies more frequently ; significant differences between the two groups of language learners were found in the use of all types of strategies except in compensation strategies. The greatest difference appears in social strategies. The explanations of these results, as well as their implications for language teaching practice are provided.

language learning strategies; sign language; HZJ; foreign language

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