Prof. Yan Wang presents on Japanese learners’ mental well-being at national conference

Yan Wang, associate professor of modern languages and Asian studies, presented her recent research “The Influence of Japanese learning on the students’ mental wellbeing” at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2020 virtual fall conference on Nov. 20-22.

For this research, Prof. Wang conducted an anonymous online survey among current students and alumni of the Carthage Japanese program during Sep. 20-30, 2020. The result was concerning as well as encouraging. Among the 53 responses (29 current second-year through fourth-year Japanese students and 34 alumni), 60 percent of responders identify themselves as having an anxiety disorder, and 57 percent claim they have/had struggled with depression. Meanwhile, near 79 percent of the learners claim Japanese learning at Carthage has a positive impact on their mental well-being.

To quote some responses from the survey:

•  “(Japanese study), both in and out of the classroom, really made me a better, more confident, more open and accepting and amiable person. Plus it was fun!”  
• “It’s good therapy.” 

Prof. Wang would like to thank all the participants for their support of her research. 

SPONSORING DEPARTMENT, OFFICE, OR ORGANIZATION:

Modern Languages Department

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Yan Wang, ywang@carthage.edu