Research has suggested that out-of-class language exposure is crucial to foreign language attainment, but little is known about factors affecting such exposure. This study presents a structural relationship among socioeconomic status, cultural capital, attitude, effort and out-of-class English exposure. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire from 570 university students in Hong Kong and analysed using structural equation modelling. It was revealed that socioeconomic status has a direct effect on out-of-class English exposure and an indirect effect on it through cultural capital. Other variables were also found to have significant relationships with one another. The results indicated that these students’ socioeconomic status and cultural capital had a bearing on their out-of-class exposure to English and access to English learning opportunities. The findings contribute to research into out-of-class foreign language learning. Implications and suggestions are discussed based on the Hong Kong educational context.

Authors:
Steven Yeung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Steven Yeung is a University Postdoctoral Fellow or Instructor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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