Stereotypes and Language Learning Motivation: A Study of L2 Learners of Asian Languages

This book explores stereotypes that learners of six Asian languages have about the target language country, its cultures, and people. It examines whether and how these stereotypes influence their motivation to learn the target language and offers methodological and theoretical advancements. It draws on the intellectual heritage of Lev Vygotsky to highlight how the concepts of word meaning and word sense can be employed in studies on stereotypes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the pervasive stereotypes that learners of six Asian languages, including Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Myanmar, Thai, and Vietnamese, hold about the target language country, its cultures, and its people. It presents groundbreaking findings, such as the mental images that language learners have of Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have never been previously explored. Recognizing the profound impact of stereotypes and attitudes embedded within them, the book examines whether and how these country stereotypes influence the motivation of students to learn the target language.

Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the content and structure of these stereotypes and their relationship with language learning motivation. Drawing upon the intellectual legacy of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934), the book highlights the potential of employing the concepts of word meaning (znachenie slova) and word sense (smysl) in studies on stereotypes held by people learning a foreign language about a target language country.

This book is a must-read for all individuals interested in understanding the pervasive stereotypes that people have about foreign countries, as well as educators and researchers who specialize in language learning motivation. Its comprehensive approach and insightful findings will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics between stereotypes, language learning, and cultural exchange.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 138 x 214 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367518288