Exploring University Students' Metaphors about Foreign Language Learning

This paper reports on the results of the study on the metaphors language learners have about language learning teaching.A survey was designed to investigate three questions about participants' conceptualization of a foreign language learning, foreign language learner and foreign language teacher.The collected data was categorized and analyzed.After the open-ended questionnaire was conducted at a university class, a few interviews were conducted.During an approximately thirty-minute individual interview session, six volunteer students were asked about their metaphors and the background of how each metaphor was conceptualized.Results from the open-ended questionnaire show that foreign language learning is mainly perceived as a demanding but positive experience.The metaphors for foreign language learners are a baby or child, an adventurer, someone got lost in the maze/dark, a person who imitates others speaking.Foreign language teachers are described as a mother or parent(s), a compass, a captain, and role model.The interview revealed that their past language learning experiences have given a strong impact on developing their image of language learning before entering the university, which was perceived more negatively than positively.On the other hand, the participants tended to develop new concepts about foreign language learning and foreign language teacher through studying at the university.