Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Our research over the past few years on the attitudes of Brazilians towards the English language suggests that socio‐psychological and socio‐cultural aspects of motivation may be just as operative in foreign language learning as in second language acquisition. This article presents the results of a study of stereotypical perceptions of ten foreign populations by 164 Brazilian university students studying diverse foreign languages. Socio‐cultural stereotypes were investigated using bipolar adjective scales paired in a Likert‐type format. A factor analysis of the revealed stereotypes suggested a three‐factor system is at work, consisting of conscientiousness (work‐related values), social agreeableness and personal warmth. Evidence was found for the hypothesis that students studying a foreign language tend to have relatively positive stereotypes of the speakers of that language, but the picture is quite complex, with attraction and stereotyping of target‐language speakers being linked to two different sets of values within the Brazilian population studied.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
El‐Dash et al. (2001) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: