Abstract
This study investigates the effect of socio-ecological networks on the willingness to communicate (WTC) in English among Japanese people. Previous studies have shown that relational mobility (socio-ecological factor), which is defined as the availability of opportunities to choose new relationship partners, positively affects the WTC in English for Japanese people. However, the network structure of the variables of relational mobility and its effects have not been revealed yet. The present study conducted network analysis with 474 Japanese university students and found the two clusters that correspond to the dimensions of relational mobility in the partial correlation network. Three variables regarding opportunities to meet new people and leave current relationships positively affected the WTC in English; one had a negative effect. Centrality indices, such as nodes strength, betweenness, and closeness, revealed the centrality of several variables in the network. Bootstrapping methods showed the trustworthiness of the estimated network structure and centrality indices as well as edges and variables whose effects differed significantly from that of others. Contrary to the regression analysis results, the network analysis findings can help us understand the in-depth effect of relational mobility on the WTC in a second language, which will prove useful for intervention studies.
Highlights
Researchers must identify the factors influencing attitudes toward second language communication to be able to promote positivity among language learners
Before conducting the network analysis, we examined whether relational mobility positively influenced willingness to communicate (WTC) in English
The present study showed the network structure of the variables of relational mobility and its effect on WTC in English for Japanese people
Summary
Researchers must identify the factors influencing attitudes toward second language communication to be able to promote positivity among language learners. Many studies have addressed the psychological processes shaping communication attitudes toward second languages using Canadians as participants (MacIntyre and Charos, 1996; MacIntyre et al, 1998). Researchers have proposed the willingness to communicate (WTC) signals a positive attitude toward language communication (MacIntyre et al, 1998). WTC in a second language is defined as readiness to enter into a discussion voluntarily at a specific time with one or more people using a second language (MacIntyre et al, 1998).
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