Motivation for Learning Chinese as a Foreign Language: Experiences from DUCE
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Journal of Education, Humanities and Sciences
Abstract
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This study explores the motivation for learning Chinese language at the Dar es Salaam
University College of Education (DUCE). The major objective is to find out the reasons
that motivated learners to enrol into the optional Chinese language course. The data
used in the study was gathered through questionnaires and structured interviews. The
presentation of findings reflected four types of motivation: intrinsic, extrinsic,
integrative, and lastly, instrumental motivation. The results revealed that learners’
motivation for learning Chinese as a foreign language at the DUCE includes personal
contentedness, developing base for further education abroad, integrating with the
Chinese community and learning their culture, developing foundation for job
opportunities in Chinese companies, and lastly, developing a base for personal
businesses with the Chinese. Therefore, students are motivated by various reasons that
cut across academic, social and economic reasons to learn foreign languages.
Keywords
Chinese language, foreign language, languages in Tanzania, motivation