Iranian Students' Preferences for Learning Languages other than English: Examining Influential Factors and the Role of Gender

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Damghan University

2 Organization for Educational Research and Planning

10.30473/il.2026.76249.1723

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the preferences of Iranian seventh-grade students toward learning LOTEs, identify factors influencing these preferences, and analyze gender differences. The research population consisted of 1,004 students from five provinces in Iran, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a 34-item questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed through factor analysis. The findings revealed that students’ preferences for LOTEs varied significantly. Additionally, three factors—individual factors, educational factors, and socioeconomic factors—were found to explain students’ preferences for LOTE learning, with significant differences in the impact of these factors on their preferences. Furthermore, while gender differences in language preferences were significant, no significant gender differences were observed in the influencing factors. The implications of these findings for policymaking in Iran’s educational system regarding foreign language education are discussed, and suggestions for further studies are provided.

Keywords: language preferences, languages other than English, factor analysis, gender differences, Iranian seventh-grade students, convenience sampling

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 

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Journal of Sociolinguistics
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
February 2026
Pages 115-134

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