Unraveling willingness to communicate in Chinese as a second language

Abstract Drawing on the tenets of positive psychology, this study delves into the intricate interplay between three pivotal character strengths: second language grit (L2 grit), foreign language enjoyment, and growth language mindset, and their subsequent influence on willingness to communicate in Chinese as a second language (CSL) learners. By administering a survey to 202 CSL learners and employing structural equation modeling, the findings indicate that (1) perseverance of effort, a sub-component of L2 grit, significantly and positively predicts both growth mindset and foreign language enjoyment; (2) perseverance of effort and foreign language enjoyment are direct predictors of willingness to communicate; (3) perseverance of effort positively influences willingness to communicate through the sequential mediation of growth mindset and foreign language enjoyment; and (4) consistency of interest, another sub-component of L2 grit, does not exhibit predictive power over growth mindset, foreign language enjoyment, or willingness to communicate, further underscoring the unique effects of perseverance of effort in this context. Essentially, this study emphasizes the pivotal role of perseverance of effort, alongside foreign language enjoyment and growth mindset, in driving engaged and supportive communication in CSL learners. The findings provide educators and researchers with valuable insights for refining language learning experiences and outcomes through the application of positive psychology principles.