How Do Mobile Technologies Affect the Motivation of Chinese Students at UK Universities to Learn English?

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored how mobile devices affect motivation to learn a second language. However, most current studies focus on native students from Arabic, Filipino, and Hong Kong, and there is a lack of research data on Chinese students in UK universities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how mobile devices influence the motivation of Chinese students at UK universities to learn English. A combined qualitative and quantitative methodological approach was used to examine what and how mobile technologies motivate or demotivate individuals in learning a foreign language. The results indicate that a significant number of Chinese students in UK universities prefer using mobile devices to engage with social platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as video-sharing websites such as YouTube and Bilibili. They use these platforms to learn English and integrate into the local English-speaking community. While most participants were motivated to learn English by the convenience of mobile devices and the ability to easily access materials that meet their personal interests, mobile devices can also hinder students' ability to focus on learning due to the plethora of resource choices and unpredictable distractions. This research not only has the potential to address the gaps that exist in the literature but could also provide practical guidance to Chinese students studying in UK universities. This guidance aims to help them effectively utilize mobile technology to enhance their motivation to learn English while minimizing the potential drawbacks associated with such technology.