The contribution of German writing skills to 1. grade students of German language and literature

This study examines the influences of writing skills, one of the four major skills, on learning/acquisition of D2. According to the common view, writing skills increase cognitive thinking, extend vocabulary and enable efficient and fluent speaking. For this reason, in this study, it is argued whether this common idea is universal or not; and if it is not, the degree of its influence on Turcophone students. Another purpose of this study is to evaluate the attitude of Turcophone students towards German while learning this language as D2, to reveal the facts which motivate them and to determine especially the influence of writing on learning D2. The study comprises four main parts. In the first part, four main language skills are dealt with. The connection of writing skills to the other skills is explained and the cross relationship of these skills with writing skills is investigated. Furthermore, the significance of writing skills, the difficulties and benefits of writing, the studies to improve it, the contribution of vocabulary to writing skills and the positive guidance of students in this respect are referred to. In the second part, theoretical information on some sort of mistakes commonly made in D2 is given and examples of incorrect sentences spoken by our subjects and related with these mistakes are presented. In the third part, an outline of learning and teaching D2 is given; then, difficulties in writing and dictation, and some information on the means which are necessary to be used for improving writing skills are mentioned. In the fourth and last part, general information on the subjects employed in the research about writing acquisition of Turcophone students, which is the essential topic of this study, is given and the data deduced out of the questions of "Writing Skills Survey", a survey previously prepared for the research, are analyzed. The results of the analysis are interpreted in accordance with scientific data. The following results have been reached after the analysis and interpretation of the data: This study we found out that writing and speaking in foreign language acquisition were more difficult than the other two skills. Because both of these skills are issues which require hard commitment and study. The students who perform writing skills and speaking skills simultaneously are able to write in a better and more effective way. A student can write as much as he/she can speak. Because his/her vocabulary and skill of expression have an influence on his/her writing skills. At the same time, a student speaks better about the subjects on which he/she writes and can convey his/her ideas completely to the opposite side. The equipment used in classes should be of a sort which supports writing. Writing establishes a more correct and efficient interactive environment when it is used together with the other language skills. It is vital to keep in mind that listening and reading enrich the content of writing and that this enrichment brings the habit to express thoughts in mind in a planned way during speaking.