Exploring the Status and Influencing Factors of L2 Grit among EFL Undergraduates in Guangxi, China

As the global role of English continues to expand, understanding the psychological factors that contribute to second language (L2) success is increasingly important. This study investigates the current status of L2 grit—a learner’s sustained passion and perseverance for second language acquisition—among 332 EFL undergraduate students from three universities in Guangxi, China. Adopting a quantitative research design, the study utilized the L2-Grit Scale to assess students’ consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. Descriptive statistics indicated that learners displayed a moderate level of L2 grit in both dimensions. Inferential analysis showed no statistically significant differences across gender or academic year. The findings highlight the importance of fostering emotional resilience and long-term motivation in English learning. Concluding from the data, the study emphasizes the need for educational practices that support sustained engagement over time. This study contributes to the growing body of research on grit in second language learning and offers practical implications for EFL educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers to enhance learners’ perseverance and engagement through supportive classroom environments and targeted instructional strategies. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct longitudinal or intervention-based studies to further examine the developmental nature and malleability of L2 grit in varied cultural and institutional contexts.