TITLE:
Factors Affecting Students’ Attitude towards Learning Chinese as a Second Language: A Case Study of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University and Luyanzi College, Uganda
AUTHORS:
Collins Bulolo, Okwong Oketch Reymick, Tinashe Mangudhla, Ogwu Ikechukwu, Nabagesera Veronica Kawalya, Fuqing Li
KEYWORDS:
Chinese Language Teaching in Uganda, Attitude, Chinese Language and Learning, Second Language
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.11,
October
21,
2022
ABSTRACT: The relationship between
Uganda and China has promoted trade and people-to-people contact. In recent years, Chinese
enterprises and other investments have been established in Uganda. Many
Ugandans visit China for trade, tourism, and education. Learning Chinese in
Uganda is becoming more and more important because the language opens up so
many doors. The study focused on students learning Chinese as a second language
at the Confucius Institute, Makerere University, and Luyanzi College. The
research article explored the factors affecting attitude toward learning
Chinese as a second language as well as their goals for learning Chinese. This
study employed a quantitative approach by sending questionnaires to students
learning Chinese at the Confucius Institute, Makerere University, and Luyanzi
College. A total of 82 students were recruited for the study; 50 from Makerere
University and 32 from Luyanzi College. The
study unequivocally revealed that a positive attitude remains the most
vital factor in learning Chinese as a second language at the Confucius Institute at Makerere University and
Luyanzi College. Learners showed a positive attitude towards learning
the Chinese language since most of the responses indicated that they enjoyed
learning the Chinese language and learned
Chinese for better jobs and business opportunities. However, there are
factors such as limited learning materials, lack of opportunities to practise
the language, the age of the students and their gender that negatively affect
students’ attitude towards learning the Chinese language. Therefore, the
researchers recommend that scholarships be granted to students with a desire
and passion for the language. Chinese language teachers should develop teaching
strategies that yield motivation and also try to bridge the gap between the
teachers and students. Furthermore, more exchange programmes should be
established between Uganda and China so that more students can travel between
the two countries. This would give people more opportunities to learn and practice
the Chinese language.