Reasons and Opinions of Students Learning English as a Foreign Language about Learning the Target Culture

Abstract

This study aims to compare the opinions of optional and compulsory preparatory class students about learning English and the target culture. Furthermore, students’ reasons to learn English are examined in terms of independent variables (gender, going abroad and status of prep class). In the present study, data are gathered through a questionnaire in the fall term of 2021-2022 academic year. Data are obtained from 150 participants and analyzed via SPSS 25. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics are conducted. Findings show that students are motivated to learn English both instrumentally and in an integrative way. In addition, there is no statistically significant effect of independent variables on the reasons to study English and the attitudes towards learning English and the target culture. As a result, this current study offers guidance for teachers while they are preparing their teaching materials. That is, teachers should consider not only the culture of British or American but also they should focus on other cultures.