English as a Foreign Language in Japan: Motivation of University Student-Athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the motivation of university student-athletes to study and learn English as a Foreign Language in Japan. Utilizing a descriptive design, an adapted survey questionnaire was administered for data collection. After the data analysis, it was revealed that the majority of university student-athletes have an integrative motivation to learn English. Type of motivation differs based on gender, where male university student-athletes having integrative motivation, while female university student-athletes have instrumental motivation. It was also found that games and movies help student-athletes be motivated to study the English language. Furthermore, the type of motivation varies depending on the self-assessed proficiency level. These findings offer new and important insights to English as a Foreign Language instructors and administrators in designing the English program for university student-athletes. Recommendations for future studies on university student-athletes and the phenomenon of motivating student of countries where English is a Foreign Language are suggested. Keywords: English as a Foreign Language, Motivation, Student-Athletes, Higher Education, Language Teaching DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-4-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2023