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Perceived Benefits of Foreign Language Learning and Bilingualism: Results from a Survey among Korean University Students

  • Modern English Education
  • Abbr : MEESO
  • 2025, 26(), pp.150~165
  • Publisher : The Modern English Education Society
  • Research Area : Humanities > English Language and Literature > English Language Teaching
  • Received : March 13, 2025
  • Accepted : March 25, 2025
  • Published : March 31, 2025

Park Hae In 1

1경희대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The present study examined Korean university students’ beliefs about benefits of foreign language learning and bilingualism. Given challenges facing language education (e.g., declining enrollments and the rise of AI-powered translation tools), understanding students’ perceptions is crucial. A mixed-methods survey of 351 university students revealed six key perceived benefits: improved communication skills, academic and career advancement, cultural awareness, interpersonal benefits, personal development, and cognitive advantages. While students strongly endorsed practical benefits such as employability and cultural openness, awareness of cognitive benefits (e.g., enhanced executive function and delayed cognitive decline) was limited. Regression analysis showed that students who had taken more applied linguistics or related courses held more positive beliefs. This suggests that formal education plays a key role in shaping perceptions. Findings of this study highlight a need for targeted educational efforts to promote a broader understanding of bilingualism’s cognitive and social advantages. Raising awareness of these benefits may encourage sustained engagement in foreign language learning, reinforcing its long-term value in an era of increasing multilingualism and technological changes.

Citation status

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