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Validating survey instruments to measure Japanese learners’ attitudes toward second and third languages #1278

Learners’ attitudes toward second language (L2) learning have been widely researched. However, relatively little is known about learners’ attitudes toward third language (L3) learning. The present research aims to validate survey instruments and measure learners’ attitudes toward learning their L2 and L3. In the case of Japanese learners, L2 is often English, and L3 is another foreign language. For this research, a survey with 49 items was developed based on previous studies on L2 learner attitudes. Results were collected from first-year Japanese university students (N=373). Rasch analyses were used for validation by highlighting items and participants that did not fit into the Rasch models. The present research showed that the students tend to have more positive attitudes toward learning L2 than L3. It also highlighted some differences between students’ attitudes toward learning L2 and L3. This research validated survey items for measuring L2 and L3 learner attitudes. In addition, it provides insights into Japanese learners’ attitudes toward learning foreign languages and hopefully contributes to a better understanding of plurilingualism and multilingualism in Japan.