Abstract
This study applies economic utility theory to the question of why students choose to learn a specific foreign language (FL). Economic utility, a basic theory of economics, explains the preference of a consumer for a given product. To measure utility, we surveyed 84 graduate business students about their reasons for studying 1 of the 8 languages offered at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. We compared their responses with economic indicators such as the gross domestic product (GDP), population, GDP per capita, corporate job opportunities, direction of trade statistics, and most active big emerging markets. According to the indicator, different languages assume economic importance. The study, although limited in scope by sample size, yields insight into the real and perceived costs and benefits of learning a FL.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
