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Importance of Personality Traits for Destination-Language Acquisition : Evidence for Refugees in Germany
Kosyakova, Yuliya; Laible, Marie-Christine (2024): Importance of Personality Traits for Destination-Language Acquisition : Evidence for Refugees in Germany, in: Bamberg: Otto-Friedrich-Universität, S. 347–385.
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Year of publication:
2024
Pages:
Source/Other editions:
International migration review : IMR, 58 (2024), 1, S. 347-385. - ISSN: 0197-9183, 1747-7379
Year of first publication:
2024
Language:
English
Abstract:
We analyze the role of personality traits in destination-language proficiency among recent refugees in Germany. While personality traits have been shown to predict educational outcomes, they have been largely overlooked for immigrants’ language acquisition. We extend a well-established model of destination-language proficiency and assume that personality traits’ effects manifest through the channels of exposure, efficiency, and incentives. Using longitudinal data and growth curve models, we find that personality traits significantly shaped destination-language learning. Openness to new experiences, conscientiousness, risk appetite, locus of control and resilience were positively related to destination-language proficiency, while agreeableness and neuroticism were insignificant. The positive impact of extraversion and the negative impact of self-esteem on destination-language proficiency were only marginally significant. For all personality traits, we observe that both the efficiency of learning and exposure to learning opportunities represented possible channels through which personality traits affected refugees’ destination-language proficiency. In sum, personality traits affect refugees’ destination-language proficiency and, thereby, contribute to sustainable economic and societal integration processes. We conclude by discussing implications for international migration research and policy.
GND Keywords: ; ; ;
Deutschland
Flüchtling
Fremdsprachenlernen
Persönlichkeitsfaktor
Keywords: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
destination-language acquisition
personality traits
Big Five
risk aversion
locus of control
resilience
self-esteem
Germany
growth curve models
IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees
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Type:
Article
Activation date:
March 18, 2024
Permalink
https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/94355