International Students’ Engagement in Learning Languages Other Than English (LOTE) at an EMI University in Kazakhstan

Authors

  • Gulnissa Zhunussova

    College of Human Sciences and Education, KIMEP University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
  • Raikhan Abnassyrova

    Department of Language Education, SDU University, Kaskelen 040900, Kazakhstan
  • Dana Mukash

    Department of Language Education, SDU University, Kaskelen 040900, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.6990
Received: 9 August 2024 | Revised: 9 September 2024 | Accepted: 14 September 2024 | Published Online: 12 November 2024

Abstract

In the context of the increasing internationalization of higher education, understanding how to effectively engage international students is crucial. Previous research mainly examined students’ motivation from various theoretical perspectives but none of the published studies specifically focused on international students’ engagement in learning Kazakh as a language other than English (LOTE). Thus, the aim of the article is to identify and analyze the factors that facilitate the engagement of international students in learning Kazakh as a LOTE at an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) university in Kazakhstan through an exploratory qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. The findings reveal that such psychological constructs as growth mindset, sense of competence, grit, proactiveness, ownership, and external supportive learning environment are important in fostering successful language acquisition. Overall, the findings of this research extend the existing literature on LOTE with an evidence-based understanding of international students’ LOTE learning beliefs with individual–psychological perspectives on engagement with LOTEs. Such knowledge is necessary to draw a comprehensive landscape of international students’ LOTE learning to support their adaptation to the host university.

Keywords:

Languages Other Than English; LOTE; Language Learner Engagement; International Students; Kazakh Language

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How to Cite

Zhunussova, G., Abnassyrova, R., & Mukash, D. (2024). International Students’ Engagement in Learning Languages Other Than English (LOTE) at an EMI University in Kazakhstan. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 407–418. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.6990

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 5 (November 2024)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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