Unveiling the Impact of Language Input and Regular Exposure to Language in Turkish (Second Language) and English (Foreign Language) Education Through a Dynamic Usage-Based Approach

Abstract

The focus of the study is on the commonly problematic speaking skills of second/foreign language learners during interaction and communication. The participants are able to communicate effectively to some extent; however, they struggle with speaking fluency and accuracy. Consequently, the potential purpose is to investigate the efficacy of the Dynamic Usage-Based Approach (DUB) in developing second/foreign language learners' speaking skills. Under investigation were 120 second/foreign language learners between the ages of 18 and 22. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental study design, the study was conducted in four intact B1 level second language (Turkish) and foreign language (English) classes. The research lasted four weeks and included a total of 12 classes. The DUB was used in the study, as well as the "Movie method," which involves systematic observation and analysis of films to increase language exposure and foster practical language use in real-world circumstances. The study included a a pre-test, treatment, post-test, and questionnaire. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups through random assignment. The Independent Sample T-Test was used to examine the results, as well as a descriptive analysis of the questionnaire data. The results indicate that the DUB has proven its efficacy in experimental groups and could potentially be used to help students enhance their speaking skills. It was observed that the control groups, who received the usual instructions from their instructors, attained comparable post-test scores. While the development of the experimental classes differed significantly, the results indicate that DUB is more beneficial for acquiring overall oral skills. The questionnaire also included a measure of confidence. Students in the experimental classes were more likely to use L2 than those in control groups, according to the data.