Foreign language writing enjoyment: Conceptualization, sources, and measurement

Due to the paucity of research on foreign language writing enjoyment (FLWE) among mixed-major EFL undergraduates, this article explores the multi-dimensional conceptualization, causes, and measurement of FLWE within this student group. The two-phase investigation involved over 3,000 participants. Phase 1 utilized interviews and questionnaires to gather students’ perceptions of FLWE and its sources. The findings illuminate FLWE as a multidimensional construct, with the writing topic emerging as the primary source of enjoyment, followed by text type and feedback. Phase 2 focused on developing and validating a 17-item Foreign Language Wring Enjoyment Scale (FLWES), which demonstrates sound reliability and validity. Unlike existing measures that mainly targeted limited dimensions of enjoyment among junior secondary students who areexposed to a limited range of text types primarily for examination purposes, or English majors, our instrument delves deeper into FLWE experienced by EFL undergraduates across disciplines. Our research contributes to a profound understanding of FLWE and opens avenues for measuring enjoyment in various language skills and cultural contexts.