The Current Situation, Motivations, and Influencing Factors in Faculty of Foreign Languages Students’ Choice to Study Japanese Amid the Expansion of Second Foreign Language Options
Online First: 29/04/2026
Corressponding author's email:
thuyntt@hcmute.edu.vnDOI:
https://doi.org/10.54644/jte.2026.2057Keywords:
Japanese, Second foreign language, Foreign language learning motivation, Barriers, University studentsAbstract
This study aims to explore the current situation, motivations, and factors influencing the decision to choose Japanese as a Second Foreign Language among English majors at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCMUTE). In this study, a descriptive quantitative approach using questionnaire was filled by 158 respondents who are studying Japanese language now. The results suggest that the appeal of Japanese remains strong. Students are overwhelmingly motivated by love of Japanese culture and career goals. However, students face major barriers stemming from the language’s inherent difficulty and the lack of opportunities to practice outside class hours. Teaching quality and the enthusiasm of the teaching staff are considered key factors that help students overcome difficulties and sustain a positive learning experience. The study proposes practical solutions such as improving teaching materials, implementing a visiting native-speaker instructor model, and establishing extracurricular clubs. These findings contribute to clarify the current situation, motivations, and factors influencing the decision to study Japanese within the context of Second Foreign Language diversification, while simultaneously suggesting directions for curriculum adjustments, support activities, and academic counseling for students.
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