‘Why am I Learning Spanish at 65?’ A Multiple Case Study of L1 English Senior Learners of Spanish as a Foreign Language.

Abstract

Many studies support the idea that language learning is a beneficial activity for seniorpopulations. However, most studies conducted so far deal with the acquisition of English as asecond language and age-related effects on linguistic gains; very few have analysed theacquisition of other languages with a focus on individual differences. The present study thusaims at exploring the beliefs, motivation and strategies displayed by mother tongue Englishsenior learners of Spanish as a foreign language. The participants were nine learners of Spanishas a FL, who were following teacher-led online classes at the time of the study. A mixed-methodsapproach was followed, consisting of a background questionnaire, a questionnaire thatencompassed 36 statements on beliefs, motivation, and strategies, and a semi-structuredinterview. Results show a variety of positive beliefs linked to learning Spanish, and the use ofdifferent types of strategies to build their own learning process and promote self-motivation.