The impact of cultural background on the choice of language learning strategies in the JFL context

Abstract

Language learning strategies have been researched for more than 30 years yet there remain many unanswered questions. Some of these questions relate to the target language being studied, specifically Japanese, and the influence of learner variables on the choice of language learning strategies, specifically cultural background. This study seeks to redress the imbalance by investigating the language learning strategies of learners of Japanese in a foreign language learning environment, focussing on the spoken communication strategies and the impact of cultural background on the choice of strategies. Data were gathered in a two stage process: initially via qualitative interviews with participants and then via an on-line questionnaire. Results of the study indicate that cultural background impacts significantly upon the choice of strategies by learners of Japanese in Australia. These differences were manifested at the item level, not the category level, suggesting that researchers ought to consider the micro level analyses as well as the category analyses. The results of this study suggest that Asian students use more strategies and in different ways than Australian students do. The conclusion made is that language learning environment, as well as multi-lingual capacity can be an important factor in the choice of strategies.