The Effect of Foreign Language Enjoyment on Students' Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

Abstract: Globalization has prompted educators to focus on enhancing students' foreign language proficiency rather than merely improving language test scores. Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) is widely recognized as a active motivational factor that can significantly enhance language performance. After integrating Positive Psychology into Language Acquisition, researchers has shown an increasing interest in FLE. Recent studies underscore the role of FLE as a valuable element in the process and outcomes of foreign language learning. This article investigates the impact of FLE on different aspects of foreign language acquisition, the pathways through which FLE influences learning, and the outcomes of such effects. The research method adopted is literature analysis. The findings of this study reveal that FLE impacts the learning process by fostering direct affective motivation, enhancing self-confidence, promoting both cognitive and affective engagement, and facilitating dynamic interactions at both individual and group levels. Additionally, FLE influences learning outcomes by mitigating the interference of negative emotions, improving language proficiency, and establishing mediating variables that connect other psychological factors to foreign language performance. These insights highlight the importance of creating positive learning environments and experiences, which can significantly enhance students' FLE and engagement, thereby improving the effectiveness of foreign learning and overall language performance.