A Study on Second Language Education in New Zealand from the Perspective of Sociology of Language

本研究的目的是找出新西兰推行的语言政策和语言教育政策中存在的问题和障碍。为此，本文从社会语言学的角度，对学校教育中第二语言教育的现状进行了分析，认为这一现状与政策的推动密切相关，（狭义的语言社会学）的视角，并在2003- 2006年期间在该国进行了各种调查。首先，为了澄清第二语言教育的现状和学习者的态度，对中学第二语言学习者进行了问卷调查。然后，根据调查数据，使用SPSS和Amos统计程序，使用路径分析和因素分析等各种统计方法进行分析。其次，除了上述定量调查外，还对语言教师进行了关于第二语言教育现状和最新趋势的访谈调查，并对语言学习者进行了关于语言学习的访谈调查，以进行定性确认。第三，对坎特伯雷大学、梅西大学、怀卡托大学、奥克兰大学、奥克兰理工大学的研究人员和教师，以及新西兰教育部的政策负责人进行了访谈调查。通过这些访谈，我们获得了对本研究有价值的数据和信息。通过上述调查，我们发现了（1）课程设置、（2）第二语言强制性、（3）师资不足、（4）学习者对语言教育的态度等方面的问题。这些问题的解决需要政府部门实施更积极的语言教育政策，需要国家制定全面的语言政策。在研究期间，包括中期报告在内的研究结果发表在几种期刊和学术期刊上。

The aim of this study was to identify problems and impediments in the language policy and language education policies promoted in New Zealand. For this purpose, the current state of second language education in school education, which is closely related to the promoted policies, was considered from a sociolinguistic (in a narrower sense, sociology of language) perspective, and various surveys were conducted in that country over the years 2003-2006.First, to clarify the status of second language education and the attitudes of learners, questionnaire surveys were conducted of second language learners in secondary school. An analysis was then conducted using various statistical methods including path analysis and factor analysis with the SPSS and Amos statistical programs, based on the data obtained in the surveys. Second, in addition to the above quantitative surveys, interview surveys were conducted of language teachers on the current status and recent trends in second language education, and of language learners on language learning, for qualitative confirmation. Third, interview surveys were conducted of researchers and teaching faculty at the University of Canterbury, Massey University, University of Waikato, University of Auckland, and Auckland University of Technology, and people in charge of policy at the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Valuable data and information for this study were obtained in these interviews.The results of the above surveys identified problems and issues in the areas of (1) curriculum, (2) making a second language compulsory, (3) lack of teachers, and (4) attitude of learners toward language education. Dealing with these issues will require that government agencies implement more active language education policies, and that the nation works out a comprehensive language policy.During the study period, study results including interim reports were published in several journals and academic volumes.