The Correlation Between Non-english Majors' Language Learning Beliefs And Language Learning Strategy Use

This study analyzed the characteristics of non-English majors' learning beliefs,learning strategies and correlations between the two variables with a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.191 students at a Chinese university participated in this study.The results revealed that,in terms of learning beliefs,the score of beliefs about oral English non-English majors held was the highest and the score of beliefs about formal structural studies was the lowest.Freshmen scored higher than students from higher grade in beliefs about motivations and learning strategies.There were no differences in gender.In terms of language learning strategy use,non-English majors used compensation strategies most and functional-practice strategies least.Freshmen used more social and compensation strategies than students from higher grade.There were significant differences between female and male students in social strategy use.Non-English majors' learning beliefs correlated with their learning strategy use.Beliefs about self correlated with social,oral-practice,metacognitive,memory,compensation and functional-practice strategies.Beliefs about 'oral English correlated with social,oral-practice,memory,compensation and functional-practice strategies.Beliefs about motivations and learning strategies correlated with social,oral-practice,metacognitive,memory,compensation and functional-practice strategies.Beliefs about formal structural studies correlated with memory strategies.Beliefs about expectations and the nature of language learning correlated with all but metacognitive strategies.Beliefs about foreign language aptitude correlated with social strategies.Therefore,this research could provide practical guidance that enabled non-English majors to establish correct learning beliefs and take effective learning strategies so as to improve their language performance.