Examining the Relationship Between French and English-Speaking Skills Among Moroccan High School Students: A Correlational Study

Abstract

In a context of growing multilingual education, this study investigated the interplay between French and English speaking skills in Moroccan high school students through a quantitative analysis of standardized test scores and observation-based approach. While a weak negative correlation emerged, it lacked statistical significance, revealing no clear influence of French on English proficiency. This challenges the idea of a straightforward positive or negative relationship between these languages in this specific context. The null finding might be due to the students' developmental stage or limitations of standardized testing. Nonetheless, the broader benefits of multilingualism persist. Future research could explore how Morocco's multilingual approach fosters cognitive advantages and the strategies students use to navigate this rich linguistic environment, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of how Moroccan students acquire proficiency in multiple languages within their unique educational system.