The Influence Of Psychological Factors On Malaysian Undergraduate Studying Japanese As A Foreign Language
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Date
2017-08
Authors
Paee, Rokiah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
This study aimed to shed light on learners’ psychological variables that influence the undergraduate students learning Japanese as a foreign language in Malaysia. Mixed method design was employed to investigate the issue of learning orientation, motivation, foreign language anxiety and anxiety coping strategies. The first, quantitative phase of the study collected data from 459 students from seven public tertiary institutions using four 5- Likert type scales via online survey. The second, qualitative phase collected data from 24 learners from five public tertiary institutions via semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics revealed that Malaysian Japanese language learners have broad and strong reason to learn Japanese, possess high motivation and experience high level of anxiety and have moderate usage of anxiety coping strategies. Results from both data revealed that the learners displayed five types of learning orientation (communication, interest in language and culture, future career, external influences, and grade requirement), three types of motivation (attitude towards Japanese language, desire towards Japanese language, and effort) three types of anxiety (coping anxiety, performance anxiety, and low self-esteem) and six types of anxiety coping strategies (risk taking, help seeking, positive thinking, relaxation, preparation and resignation). Results also suggested that learning orientation, motivation, foreign language anxiety and anxiety coping strategies were correlated. Further examination on the differences among the participants based on the socio demographics variables, namely gender, Bumiputera status, academic major and prior foreign language experience, revealed that there were differences among the group. For the gender variable, female learners are experiencing higher levels of FLA than male learners. Bumiputera group has stronger reasons to take Japanese language class, has higher level of motivation and FLA and use more ACS in dealing with anxiety experiences. Learners with prior Japanese language experience, possess stronger motivation, lesser anxiety and stronger reason to sign up for Japanese language classes. However, academic major has no statistical significant effect on all variables measured. These findings reiterate the importance of qualitative data, particularly when examining psychological variables that relates to language learners. Suggestion on how to maintain learners’ motivation and to lessen their anxious feelings were also provided: (a) to provide a platform for learners to communicate with Japanese native speakers (b) to inculcate Japanese culture in the syllabus (c) to provide a platform for learners to share their views and experiences with others (d) to provide friendly teaching and learning environment, and (e) to utilize authentic material in the classroom.
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Keywords
Psychological variables that influence , the undergraduate students learning Japanese.