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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 16. Number 4, December 2025 Pp. 289-316
Faculty of Foreign Languages
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Institute of International Education
Hoa Sen University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
English proficiency is critical for early-career medical doctors in Ho Chi Minh City to advance their professional and academic goals. Limited research exists on their motivation to learn General English and English for Medical Purposes. This study investigates the types, differences, and factors influencing motivation for learning general English and English for Medical Purposes among doctors graduating within three years. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a questionnaire (n=104) and semi-structured interviews (n=7) with early-career doctors in Ho Chi Minh City. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify motivational factors. Instrumental motivation was the primary driver for both General English and English for Medical Purposes learning (mean=4.13, SD=0.60), followed by integrative motivation. Gender differences were significant, with females showing higher instrumental and integrative motivation for General English (p<0.05). Key motivational factors included career development, educational purposes, and cultural understanding, while time constraints and costs were barriers. Classroom environment and teachers had moderate influence. The findings highlight the dominance of instrumental motivation and the impact of gender and external factors on English learning. Educators should prioritize career-oriented, communicative teaching methods and authentic materials to enhance motivation. This study informs tailored English programs for medical doctors and suggests future research on time and cost influences.
Nghi, T. T., & Anh, T. H. N. (2025). Exploring Motivational Factors for Learning General and Medical English Among Early-Career Doctors in Ho Chi Minh City: A Mixed-Methods Study. Arab World English Journal, 16(4):289-316
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Dr. Tran Tin Nghi is an experienced educator and researcher interested in second language acquisition and pedagogy. His work focuses on developing and implementing effective teaching methodologies, using corpus-based techniques in language teaching, AI in Education, and the role of literacy in second language learning. He has a strong record of scholarly publications in prestigious Scopus-indexed journals. His commitment to ongoing professional development is evident through his active involvement in leading organizations like VietTESOL, STESOL, and VietCALL. Nghi Tran can be contacted at nghitt@huit.edu.vn.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6549-3895
Trang Hoang Nguyen Anh, Dermatologist, MSc in English Language Teaching. Trang Hoang Nguyen Anh obtained his Master’s degree from Hoa Sen University and completed his Dermatology Residency at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine. His research interests include IELTS preparation and English for Medical Purposes. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4341-2243