Factors Influencing The Choice Of French As A Course Of Study Among University Undergraduates In Southeast, Nigeria
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Abstract
This study examined the key factors that influence university undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria to choose French as their field of study. It specifically focused on personal, parental, and peer influences; career prospects and economic opportunities; institutional factors; the challenges tied to selecting French; and potential solutions to these challenges. A descriptive survey research design was utilized, with a population consisting of undergraduate students enrolled in French programs at selected universities in Southeast, Nigeria. A sample of 350 respondents was gathered through a multistage sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire named the Factors Influencing the Choice of French Questionnaire (FICFQ). Analytical methods included descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The results indicated that personal, parental, and peer factors significantly impacted students' decisions regarding studying French, reflected in an overall grand mean of 3.01. Career prospects and economic opportunities stood out as primary motivations, particularly regarding job openings in international organizations (84.3%), competitiveness in the job market (82.9%), and employment prospects with multinational corporations (80.0%). Institutional factors were also highlighted, achieving a grand mean of 3.03, as students recognized the importance of well-qualified lecturers, the reputation of their institutions, and the availability of learning resources. Additionally, the study identified various challenges related to choosing French, including the perception of the language as difficult (85.7%), negative views about French being a challenging subject (82.9%), and limited chances for practical immersion (80.0%). In response to these challenges, respondents suggested raising awareness about the career advantages of knowing French (90.0%), hiring more qualified lecturers (87.1%), enhancing job opportunities for graduates (85.7%), and improving language learning facilities (84.3%). In conclusion, the decision to study French among students is shaped by a mix of social, economic, and institutional elements. The study recommends a greater investment in French language education, improved awareness programs regarding career opportunities, increased institutional support, and the development of practical language-learning experiences to boost enrollment in French programs...
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