Motivational Differences Between Chinese and}apanese Learners of English as a Foreign Language

Page No.: 
211
Writer(s): 
Bill Teweles, Long Beach (CA) City College

As part of a longitudinal study conducted at Hunan University, China and
Okayam:l University, Japan, questionnaires aimed at tapping attitudes and
motivation~11 levels of (WO groups of 20 freshmen and sophomores at e.lch
university Cil = 80) were administered. A slight inclination toward "instrumental"
indicators was shown by Chinese learners, while a preference for "integrative"
indicators was shown by Japanese learners. A follow-up questionnaire showed
that (he generally positive attitudes toward the target language (English) indicated
in the initial survey were not necessarily supported by a commitment to actually
use the language, especially on the part of the Japanese respondents. This parallels
Benson's (991) findings. The rather unimpressive correlation between levels of
motivation and pertormance on wrinen tests, especially when compared to the
higher correlation shown on a standardized grammar test (Part II of the CELD,
also invites clUlion against overstating the role of motivation when assessing
proficiency in writing and related skills.

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