16th International Conference “Innovation in Language Learning"

Second Language Acquisition is a field of learning in which the contextual factor is crucial. According to several studies, circumstances outside the home country can help foreign language learning. Study abroad, in fact, is considered a prime context in language learning because it provides contextualized exposure [1]. Moreover, according to some investigations, during the ―dipping‖ abroad, students achieve socio-cultural, linguistic, actional and strategic competences [2]. These outcomes are possible thanks to the role of the community, especially if it has an active role in language learning. In the present paper has been carried out research on the possibility of applying a community engagement approach to Italian as a Second Language students [3]. The aim is to show how much the community role is important in language learning and which are the competences that students acquire. The study case is settled in the city of Perugia and participants attend a language school. Students were asked to fill in a questionnaire with items regarding their competences and behaviors within the community. By doing preliminary study, a sociocultural survey has been made. The model of the questionnaire is the ―SCAS-R‖ [4]. Students were asked to specify their level of agreement to a set of statements in a five-point Likert scale ranging from (1) Strongly disagree to (5) Strongly agree. The data has been analyzed with a quantitative method and has been represented in a pie chart and in a histogram. Finally, mean has been calculated. The research findings demonstrate that students enhance sociocultural and language competences and cross-cutting skills. Thus, these results could be the prove that Italian as Second Language class could be a breeding ground for community engagement. The goal is to share with the scientific community some insights to trace possible future lines of research.