Hi, I’m Vienne a doctoral student at the University of Bath. I research why some Cantonese-English students avoid communicating in their second language in the classroom while others are willing to do so. Ask Me Anything!

Hi Reddit, I’m Vienne from the University of Bath.

I’m a doctoral student in Education. I’m looking at Hong Kong’s policy of Biliteracy and Trilingualism and how it leads to stratified learning experiences. This is an essential investigative area as the quality of learning experience not only has an immediate impact on how well students do at schools/universities academically, socially, and psychologically, but also plays a crucial role in shaping students’ aspirations and future careers. My previous work includes a review of the willingness to communicate (WTC) and a mixed-methods research proposal on Cantonese- English bilinguals in Hong Kong.

While confidence and language competence can predict the likelihood of individuals’ WTC in a second language, this isn’t always the case, even when communication opportunities arise. So, why not? I also wonder what teachers could do to support students to speak up or perhaps better engage in the classroom. But I think students should have their own choice.

I’d love to answer any questions on WTC, second language acquisition, or language policy. Please Ask Me Anything!

Proof: Here's my proof!