The formulation of learner beliefs on foreign language learning and the role of public discourse

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25370730
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Foreign language education
• Research Institution: Tamagawa University
• Principal Investigator: ODA Masaki 玉川大学, 文学部, 教授 (60224242)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ディスコース / 共通知識 / 言語学習観 / ナラティブ / マスメディア / アカデミア / 社会的要因

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This is a diachronic study on learner beliefs which would affect one's degree of motivation at different stages of one's life. An interview was conducted to adult learners who were asked to reflect their experience in language learning. Through a series of interviews, it was found that one's beliefs about learning languages shift consistently. Beliefs about foreign language learning among adult learners are formulated with much influence by the discourse of language teaching/learning prevailed in the society as a 'common knowledge'without principle. The role of foreign language professionals is therefore to constantly provide learners with relevant information in order for them to find the optimal route for learning languages.

Free Research Field

応用言語学