Validating the foreign language enjoyment scale for young learners: An exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics Pub Date : 2024-11-09 DOI:10.1016/j.rmal.2024.100167

Yohei Nakanishi, Osamu Takeuchi

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Abstract

Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) has garnered scholarly attention within the framework of positive psychology. However, FLE-related studies have predominantly focused on adult learners, with little exploration into FLE among young language learners (YLLs). Consequently, little is known about the factorial structure of FLE and its sources for YLLs. This study aims to develop and validate the foreign language enjoyment scale (FLES) designed for YLLs by comparing four models: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor CFA, ESEM, and bifactor ESEM, based on Alamer's (2022) guidelines for ESEM. 510 Japanese elementary ESL learners in the 5th and 6th grades participated in this study. The analysis of the four models revealed that the bifactor ESEM outperformed the others in terms of model fit and comparative indices, identifying a three-factor model of FLE, which is consistent with prior studies on adult learners. The findings from this study not only contribute to further understanding of FLE within a less-studied population but also advance methodological approaches for scale validation in applied linguistics.

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验证针对年轻学习者的外语乐趣量表：探索性结构方程模型方法

在积极心理学的框架内，外语乐趣（FLE）已经引起了学术界的关注。然而，与 FLE 相关的研究主要集中在成人学习者身上，对青少年语言学习者（YLLs）的 FLE 探索甚少。因此，人们对 FLE 的因子结构及其在青年语言学习者中的来源知之甚少。本研究旨在根据 Alamer（2022 年）的 ESEM 指南，通过比较四种模型：确认性因子分析（CFA）、双因子 CFA、ESEM 和双因子 ESEM，开发并验证专为青少年设计的外语乐趣量表（FLES）。510 名五、六年级的日本小学 ESL 学习者参与了本研究。对四个模型的分析表明，双因素 ESEM 在模型拟合度和比较指数方面优于其他模型，确定了 FLE 的三因素模型，这与之前对成人学习者的研究一致。本研究的发现不仅有助于进一步了解研究较少的人群中的 FLE，而且还推进了应用语言学中量表验证的方法。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

CiteScore

4.10

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0.00%

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