Impacts and Perceptions: Analyzing Chinese Language Attitudes Among Thai University Learners

Abstract

Background and Aim: With the enhancement of China's comprehensive national strength and the increasing practical value of the Chinese language, this study aims to investigate the language attitudes of Chinese learners in major universities in Thailand. The goal is to understand the Chinese language attitudes of Thai learners and the correlation between different background variables and their attitudes toward Chinese. This research not only provides solid data support for Chinese teaching in Thailand but also contributes to cooperation and exchanges between China and Thailand in various fields. Materials and Methods: This study combined online and offline questionnaire surveys involving 292 Thai Chinese learners. Results: The research findings reveal that Thai Chinese learners hold positive attitudes towards the Chinese language. There is a separation between the language attitudes of Thai Chinese learners and their subjective desires, with cognitive and behavioral dimensions being higher than the emotional dimension. The factor of "age" significantly influences attitudes towards the Chinese language, while factors such as "gender," "Chinese proficiency," "length of study," "family background," and "having visited China" do not have a significant impact on language attitudes. Conclusion: In general, Thai learners exhibit positive attitudes towards Chinese, and the practical value of the language attracts an increasing number of learners. Additionally, research on learner language attitudes can provide educational decision-makers, language teachers, and social institutions with valuable data to help formulate more effective teaching strategies and cultural exchange plans for learners of different age groups, thereby enhancing learners' emotional connection to the Chinese language.