MOTIVATION INFLUENCING DECISION TO LEARN KOREAN LANGUAGE AMONG CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This research aims to investigate motivation that influences Chiang Mai University students’ decision to learn the Korean language. A questionnaire is conducted on the students’ motivation behind their decision to learn the Korean language and their expectations for Korean language learning after graduation. Respondents are 102 students studying Korean as elective courses or minor subjects. The results reveal that the type of motivation that has the highest influence over their Korean language learning is self-motivation, and they are also motivated by curriculum and institutes, the ‘Korean Wave’ and the society, defined as social motivation, respectively. Their highest post-graduation expectation for Korean language learning is the ability to converse fluently with Korean people, while the ability to understand Korean songs/dramas/variety programs, the ability to understand Korean society and culture, the ability to get a job using the Korean language, the opportunity to study in South Korea and the opportunity to have new friends are the next highest expectations successively.