The Influence of Social Network Structure on German Language Proficiency Gains Among Nigerian Students in Germany

This study investigates the influence of social network structure on German language proficiency gains among Nigerian students currently enrolled in university degree programmes in Germany, drawing on data collected from students at universities in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Social network theory predicts that the density and multiplexity of a learner's social networks significantly affect language acquisition outcomes, with networks that include a higher proportion of native-speaking target language contacts associated with greater proficiency gains. The particular social networking patterns and their linguistic consequences for Nigerian students in Germany have not been empirically documented. The study employs a social network analysis design, mapping the social contacts of 80 Nigerian students using a structured social network questionnaire and correlating network characteristics with German proficiency gains measured over a six-month period using a standardised proficiency battery. Regression analysis controls for baseline proficiency, study level, and prior language exposure. Findings indicate that the proportion of German-speaking contacts in students' social networks is a significant positive predictor of proficiency gains across listening, speaking, and reading modalities. Nigerian students who integrate into mixed-nationality student groups demonstrate greater gains than those whose networks are predominantly composed of co-nationals. The study recommends that Nigerian student support services encourage social integration strategies. Keywords: social network theory, German language proficiency, Nigerian students in Germany, social integration, language gains.