The Preferred Language of Instruction in Higher Education in Aruba The role of attitudes, language use and motivation

Abstract

Multicultural and multilingual societies, such as Aruba, make use of multiple languages in different situations with different interlocutors. Consequently, these societies may find it difficult to decide which language is the best medium in different situations, in particular the medium of instruction in education. In Aruba, the majority of students speak Papiamento at home, but use Dutch or English in education. Thus, the native language of the majority of Aruban population is not used as a language of instruction in higher education. The present research examines the preference of Aruban students for a language of instruction in higher education. Using questionnaires and focus groups, students of the University of Aruba and IPA (the educational institute for teachers of Aruba) were asked to answer questions about three theoretical constructs: their attitude, language use, and motivation. The findings showed that all three constructs are closely related to the preference for a certain language of instruction. Furthermore, findings revealed that English, followed by Papiamento, is the most preferred language of instruction in higher education in Aruba. These findings have implications for the system of higher education in Aruba, as it is recommended to implement Papiamento as one of the languages of instruction, besides English and Dutch. Further research is required to introduce the most appropriate method of implementation.