Language Learning Beliefs of Thai EFL University Students: Dimensional Structure and Cultural Variations

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate the dimensional structure of the language learning beliefs of Thai learners of EFL, (b) to determine if the conceptually developed categories were empirically identifia-ble, and (c) to examine the cultural variations of language learning beliefs. Horwitz's Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) was administered to Thai EFL university students (N = 542). Through factor analysis, a five-factor structure was identified. This structure was similar to the Horwitz model with five categorical dimensions. Yet, some items clustered under a different category from that proposed in the BALLI model. Similarities were identified between Thai students and Taiwanese students in terms of the beliefs' structure at the dimensional level and the strength of the beliefs at each item level. Seventeen BALLI items were both conceptually and empirically identified as constituting subcategories of the beliefs, representing the commonality of the language learning beliefs.