Factors influencing foreign language learners’ motivation in continuing to learn Mandarin

Abstract

The study prime motive was to identify factors that encourage learners to be motivated to continue to learn Mandarin. Campbell and Storch (2011) guiding questionnaire was adapted through the interview sessions among 11 Mandarin level two learners of different grades at one of the universities in Kelantan. The learners were interviewed in person in Bahasa Malaysia. The interview sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The inquiry revealed that non-native Mandarin learners were motivated to continue to learn Mandarin due to the importance of Mandarin in the aspect of employability, self-interest and improving Mandarin grade. The study gives insight to teachers to plan their teaching to match with the learners’ demands that are related to their future career building, hence the learning must consider real life situation. It is also recommended that having interesting and interactive learning activities are encouraged to boost learners’ learning motivation.