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How Important Is Studying Languages for Undergraduate Students and Why (Not) Study Languages?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How Important Is Studying Languages for Undergraduate Students and Why (Not) Study Languages?
Language: English
Authors: Koen Van Gorp, Emily Heidrich Uebel (ORCID 0000-0002-8447-9703), Felix A. Kronenberg, Dianna Murphy (ORCID 0000-0001-9716-0032)
Source: Foreign Language Annals. 2024 57(4):900-920.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Majors (Students), Language Proficiency, Student Attitudes, Language Enrollment, Career Choice, Student Interests, Correlation, Language Attitudes
DOI: 10.1111/flan.12783
ISSN: 0015-718X
1944-9720
Abstract: This study examines the value undergraduate students (n = 4458) place on proficiency in languages other than English (LOTEs) in terms of their personal interests, major(s), and career plans. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of large-scale survey data, the study further explores the reasons students outline for (not) enrolling in LOTE courses and what would motivate them to enroll in language courses in the future. Results indicate that students attached most value in relation to personal interests, followed by career plans and major. In addition, students' demographics and prior experience with language can also impact their future enrollment decisions. The results suggest that not only should institutions lead the way by emphasizing the importance of learning languages, but also that language programs need to listen to students' voices and help them establish clear links between their academic majors, their future career and study plans as well as their personal interests.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://osf.io/g7t5a
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1452827
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:This study examines the value undergraduate students (n = 4458) place on proficiency in languages other than English (LOTEs) in terms of their personal interests, major(s), and career plans. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of large-scale survey data, the study further explores the reasons students outline for (not) enrolling in LOTE courses and what would motivate them to enroll in language courses in the future. Results indicate that students attached most value in relation to personal interests, followed by career plans and major. In addition, students' demographics and prior experience with language can also impact their future enrollment decisions. The results suggest that not only should institutions lead the way by emphasizing the importance of learning languages, but also that language programs need to listen to students' voices and help them establish clear links between their academic majors, their future career and study plans as well as their personal interests.
ISSN:0015-718X
1944-9720
DOI:10.1111/flan.12783