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Determinants of Motivation in Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language: A Romanian Case Study

Magdalena Ciubăncan

  • Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania

DOI https://doi.org/10.24818/DLG/2025/42/05

Pages 63–74

Licence © 2025 the authors · CC BY 4.0

Abstract

This study explores the motivation of Romanian university students learning Japanese, a less commonly taught language in Eastern Europe. Survey data from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies reveal that cultural and pop-cultural interests – especially anime, manga, and music – serve as primary entry points. Learners also report intrinsic fascination with the language system and, to a lesser extent, instrumental goals such as study abroad or professional advancement. Students adopt hybrid strategies, combining formal courses with self-study, digital tools, and media immersion, while contact with Japanese speakers emerges as a strong motivator. Framed by Gardner's socio-educational model, Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory, and Dörnyei's L2 motivational self system, the findings highlight Japanese in Romania as a "boutique language" pursued mainly for identity and cultural affiliation.

Keywords —

second language acquisition · Japanese language learning · learner motivation · learner autonomy · Eastern European language education
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Cite this article

Ciubăncan, M. (2025). Determinants of Motivation in Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language: A Romanian Case Study. Dialogos, 42, 63–74. https://doi.org/10.24818/DLG/2025/42/05

Ciubăncan, Magdalena. “Determinants of Motivation in Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language: A Romanian Case Study.” Dialogos, vol. 42, 2025, pp. 63–74, https://doi.org/10.24818/DLG/2025/42/05.

Ciubăncan, Magdalena. 2025. “Determinants of Motivation in Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language: A Romanian Case Study.” Dialogos 42: 63–74. https://doi.org/10.24818/DLG/2025/42/05.

@article{ciubancan2025determinants,
  author  = {Ciubăncan, Magdalena},
  title   = {Determinants of Motivation in Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language: A Romanian Case Study},
  journal = {Dialogos},
  year    = {2025},
  volume  = {42},
  pages   = {63--74},
  doi     = {10.24818/DLG/2025/42/05}
}
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