Perception analysis of DELE A1 exams made by Taiwanese ELE students

Abstract

Current academic and work requirements are leading to significant changes in second language learning. Today, companies and universities demand international certificates to prove one's proficiency of a second language acquisition. The DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) is one of the most recognized international certification tests to show the proficiency of Spanish as a second language. The aim of this paper is to analyze the perception that Taiwanese learners of Spanish as a foreign language have of the DELE A1 test. Questionnaires were completed by a representative sample of 120 foreign language students, recruited from the DELE accredited centers in Taiwan, who had participated in the two DELE A1 tests conducted in the year 2012. The article reveals the preliminary results as well as some conclusions about the mean difficulties that Taiwanese students of the Spanish language face in DELE A1 tests, in Taiwan. This research has some practical relevance because the collected data can contribute to designing specific classes to prepare students for future tests. In addition, the paper lists some methodological guidelines which may be useful for future candidates in upcoming tests, to attain better results.