Influences of Language Learning Beliefs on Attitudes toward Learning English

言語学習観が英語学習に対する態度に与える影響

Influences of Language Learning Beliefs on Attitudes toward Learning English

Learners’ language learning beliefs are considered one of the most important factors influencing the acquisition of English communicative competence. The study of language learning beliefs flourished after Horwitz developed the BALLI (The Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory) in 1987. The BALLI consists of 34 items designed to investigate the ability and motivation to learn a foreign language. This questionnaire was developed for learners of English at universities in the U.S., but there have been some research studies in Japan based on the BALLI as well. Some studies have attempted to clarify the effects of short-term study abroad on language learning beliefs, the influences of past learning experiences on language learning beliefs, and the relationship between language learning beliefs and the learning strategies learners prefer. The present study clarifies the relationship between learners’ language learning beliefs and their preferred learning strategies. This paper also examines how learners’ language learning beliefs affect their attitudes toward learning English. First, the author will introduce previous studies closely related to this paper and formulate research questions. After answering the questions, the author will recommend desirable English language instruction at universities by referring to the author’s and other researchers’ research results.

Creators IWANAKA Takahiro

[EISSN]2189-4825