Foreign language learning beyond english: The opportunities of one belt, one road (OBOR) initiative

Abstract

English, Spanish, and French are the top three targets for foreign languages learners. Within the recent decades, as the rapid growth of the Chinese international roles and economies, a large number of learners decide to study Chinese as their foreign language. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the reasons and motivational elements for taking the Chinese language at the postsecondary level within the OBOR regions. Understanding learners’ goals, motivations, and behaviors that direct them to learn may have a significant influence on students’ enrollment, retention, and program development. The researcher discovered that foreign language learners tended to select Chinese as their foreign language due to three reasons, including (1) the career opportunities; (2) the economic development; and (3) the interest of Chinese East Asian cultures. The study also further suggests five recommendations for policymakers, school administrators, students, and teachers to prepare further Chinese language learning and higher education programs for citizens within and outside of the OBOR countries.