A Discussion on the Motivation in Chinese Learning of the New-Generation Yunnanese Descendants as University Students in Northern Thailand

A Case of Students from the School of Sinology, Mae Fah Luang University

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss on Northern-Thailand Yunnanese descendants’ motivation for learning Chinese in primary, secondary schools and in the university. The students who are Yunnanese descendants in the School of Sinology, Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai Province were chosen as research subjects to respond to questionnaires and interviews. The investigation results reveal that Yunnanese descendants chose to study Chinese in primary and secondary schools with sentimental values. In the university, however, the motivations have altered from sentimental to instrumental values. The results from the interview reveal that, the instrumental value of Yunnanese descendants is quite different from Chinese descendants in other parts of Thailand, it originated from a problem in their social identity in Thai society. They need to continue studying Chinese and enhance their strength in Chinese ability to survive in Thailand. The result form the interviews indicates that, an acceptance level of Education in Mainland China of the new-generation Yunnanese students is higher than the past. Furthermore, since they only have experience of the Taiwanese education in primary and secondary schools, they would like to continue studying Mandarin Chinese and learn about China to gain a deeper understanding about Mainland China. Therefore, they can have various choices in their career path. The result has a significant meaning to the development of Chinese schools in Yunnanese villages in Northern Thailand.