Factors Affecting Second Language Acquisition: : An examination of the learning strategies that native English speaking teachers employ to assist with language difficulties abroad

Abstract: This paper addresses second language acquisition with a focus on the learning and coping strategies that native English speaking teachers employ to assist with language learning when they move abroad. Learning techniques that have proven successful with the participants in the study will also be examined. Germany has a number of international schools (encompassing both primary and secondary) employing English speaking teachers, the majority of whom cannot speak German. As one needs to communicate with others for any number of reasons in today‘s society, this can lead to communication problems. Factors such as differing levels of motivation to learn German and barriers to learning seem to be unique for each study participant. Qualitative personal interviews were used for data collection. The findings indicate that learning German through courses, books, and tapes helps. There are also affective aspects which influence how successful one is in acquiring a second language, such as personality, motivation, and whether it is a priority for the learner to be able to fully participate in German culture.