Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry

In the context of globalization, competency in the English language is a key in securing educational attainment and social promotion. However, minority nationality junior high school students in remote areas in China still face challenges in learning the English language. This study explored the Eng...

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Main Authors: Zhao, Panzhen, Hassan, Aminuddin, Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha, Shi, Long
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Society for Research and Knowledge Management 2025
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/1/118799.pdf
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author Zhao, Panzhen
Hassan, Aminuddin
Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha
Shi, Long
author_facet Zhao, Panzhen
Hassan, Aminuddin
Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha
Shi, Long
author_sort Zhao, Panzhen
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description In the context of globalization, competency in the English language is a key in securing educational attainment and social promotion. However, minority nationality junior high school students in remote areas in China still face challenges in learning the English language. This study explored the English learning experiences among Zhuang, Miao, Yi, and Gelao middle school students in Guangxi, focusing on the factors influencing their language development in light of Bronfenbrenner's (1979) Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative case study design was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with ten students, ten parents, and six teachers at a multi-nationality junior high school. Thematic analysis revealed that socioeconomic restrictions, limited English exposure, and the absence of culturally responsive pedagogy were the main obstacles in language development. Notably, home-school collaboration through WeChat was a main facilitator, supporting student motivation and language use outside the classroom. In addition, internal motivation and practical application of English by the students were crucial in their learning outcomes. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive pedagogy, more educational resources, and digital technology in bridging linguistic and educational gaps. The study contributes to inclusive and quality education by demonstrating the interaction among sociocultural, economic, and educational factors in influencing minority nationality students' English language competency. Given that the study was conducted in a single school, future studies should be extended to various ethnic groups and areas in order to paint a more holistic picture of minority nationality students' English learning experiences.
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spelling upm-1187992025-07-24T02:11:32Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/ Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry Zhao, Panzhen Hassan, Aminuddin Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha Shi, Long In the context of globalization, competency in the English language is a key in securing educational attainment and social promotion. However, minority nationality junior high school students in remote areas in China still face challenges in learning the English language. This study explored the English learning experiences among Zhuang, Miao, Yi, and Gelao middle school students in Guangxi, focusing on the factors influencing their language development in light of Bronfenbrenner's (1979) Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative case study design was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with ten students, ten parents, and six teachers at a multi-nationality junior high school. Thematic analysis revealed that socioeconomic restrictions, limited English exposure, and the absence of culturally responsive pedagogy were the main obstacles in language development. Notably, home-school collaboration through WeChat was a main facilitator, supporting student motivation and language use outside the classroom. In addition, internal motivation and practical application of English by the students were crucial in their learning outcomes. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive pedagogy, more educational resources, and digital technology in bridging linguistic and educational gaps. The study contributes to inclusive and quality education by demonstrating the interaction among sociocultural, economic, and educational factors in influencing minority nationality students' English language competency. Given that the study was conducted in a single school, future studies should be extended to various ethnic groups and areas in order to paint a more holistic picture of minority nationality students' English learning experiences. Society for Research and Knowledge Management 2025 Article PeerReviewed text en cc_by_nc_nd_4 http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/1/118799.pdf Zhao, Panzhen and Hassan, Aminuddin and Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha and Shi, Long (2025) Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24 (3). pp. 586-609. ISSN 1694-2493; eISSN: 1694-2116 https://ijlter.org/index.php/ijlter/article/view/12838 10.26803/ijlter.24.3.28
spellingShingle Zhao, Panzhen
Hassan, Aminuddin
Burhanuddin, Nur Aimi Nasuha
Shi, Long
Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title_full Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title_fullStr Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title_full_unstemmed Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title_short Factors affecting the English language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
title_sort factors affecting the english language competency among minority nationality junior high school students: a qualitative inquiry
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118799/1/118799.pdf