Abstract (eng)
The digital era is continuously opening new doors for informal second language learning (ISLL; Dressman, 2020, p. 1). This modern phenomenon has not been neglected by researchers in the field of SLA (e.g., Sundqvist, 2009; Sockett, 2014), forging the new research path of ISLL. However, within this field, only limited research has been conducted on affective factors (Arndt, 2023). Therefore, the present thesis addresses the relationship between ISLL and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE), a positive emotion experienced by L2 speakers when a satisfactory interplay between challenge and ability is met while engaging in L2 use (Botes et al., 2022; Dewaele & MacIntyre, 2016). The current study explores ISLL involvement and FLE levels of 653 young adults in Austria between 18 and 35 years by means of a validated online survey based on prior research (e.g., Schwarz, 2020; Ghamarian-Krenn, 2023; Resnik & Dewaele, 2020). In addition to ISLL practices in leisurely settings, this study also investigates the use of English in professional and educational contexts. (Almost) daily ISLL involvement in the recreational setting was reported by nearly all participants (95.3%), by 30.1% in the educational context, and by 25.3% in the professional setting. Compared to working young adults, tertiary students and employed tertiary students scored significantly higher on the ISLL scale. FLE levels were relatively elevated and consistent among the sample (M = 3.75, SD = .7); there were no differences between the three subgroups. However, members of Gen-Z had significantly higher recreational ISLL and FLE levels than Millennials. Furthermore, FLE was predicted by recreational, educational as well as professional ISLL individually. The findings suggest that recreational, educational, and professional ISLL involvement among Austrian young adults contributes to “globalized bilingualism” (Smit & Schwarz, 2019, p. 309) in Austria. Moreover, in accordance with Fredrickson’s (2011) broaden-and-build theory, frequent experiences of ISLL lead to increased FLE, which could then reinforce overall mental wellbeing.