The Negative L2 Climate: Understanding Attrition among Second Language Students  

In May 2007, all HOD Languages in New Zealand schools and tertiary institutions were sent complimentary copies of Dr Alastair McLauchlan’s report of his recent three-year (2004–2006) investigation into attrition and early discontinuation among students studying a second language (L2) in Christchurch schools.  

Beginning in 2004 with 765 Yr 11 students of French, German, Spanish, Latin, Chinese and Japanese, Alastair followed the participants through their three years of senior secondary education, using a range of research methods to uncover why so many students discontinued their L2 studies along the way. The report highlights many vexing issues surrounding L2 attrition and discontinuation, and concludes that most of these are unlikely to be solved until New Zealanders are prepared to re-examine attitudes towards the wider L2 environment.  

The report identifies a number of traditional and persisting ‘comfort zones’ which have contributed to the unfortunate status quo.  

Based on the project, Alastair has also presented 4 conference papers and published the following two articles in peer-reviewed journals: 

McLauchlan, A. (2007). Bilingual Dictionaries in Written L2 examinations: why New Zealand must catch up with Australia. The Australian Journal of Language Teachers. 41:3, 24-28. 

McLauchlan, A. (2006). Second Language (L2) Learning in New Zealand High Schools: a preliminary report into the reasons for studying and for discontinuing. New Zealand Society of Applied Linguistics, 12:1, 70-81. 

The work has been peer reviewed twice and the foreword is written by Ron Holt, one of Australasia’s leading researchers into L2 study patterns. Alastair welcomes any feedback, questions or constructive criticism about his report, and is willing to discuss the L2 conundrum and its possible solutions with groups or associations of L2 staff. He is contactable at mclauchlana@hotmail.com. While the Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language Education hopes that this research will encourage debate and discussion around the issues, the conclusions in the book are the author’s own. Additional copies of Alastair’s book are available at the cost of NZ $30-00 (plus p+p). Email Naomi Collins (n.e.collins@massey.ac.nz) to place an order.