‘You can see both sides of the coin’ how the pursuit of language skills influences the travel experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to understand how the pursuit of language skills influences the travel experience of those who travel with language learning goals as a primary or secondary motivation. Based on a review of the literature on language tourism and learning through travel, qualitative interviews were carried out with a heterogeneous sample of participants to capture common patterns in their experiences. Analysis of the responses suggested that participants’ language travel experiences were influenced by their pursuit of language skills in two main ways: by their communication ability in the host language; and by their process of striving to improve their language skills. This process frequently places them in environments where they could gain more contact with the locals, and a deeper understanding of local culture.