Does macro-level general trust influence second language communication?: targeting prefectural capitals

Area of Science:

• Sociolinguistics
• Social Psychology
• Second Language Acquisition

Background:

• Individual-level general trust is known to influence willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language.
• The macro-level effects of general trust on second language WTC have not been previously investigated.
• Understanding factors influencing WTC is crucial for promoting intercultural communication and language learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the macro-level influence of general trust on second language WTC.
• To investigate the combined effects of individual and macro-level general trust on WTC in English among Japanese residents.
• To explore the role of trust in facilitating cross-cultural interactions in a Japanese context.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel analysis was employed to assess the impact of trust at different levels.
• Data were collected from Japanese individuals residing in 20 prefectural capitals.
• The study analyzed both individual-level and prefectural capital-level general trust.

Main Results:

• Both individual- and prefectural capital-level general trust positively influenced willingness to communicate in English.
• Macro-level general trust demonstrated a strong predictive power for second language WTC.
• Findings suggest that higher levels of general trust correlate with increased WTC.

Conclusions:

• General trust, at both individual and macro levels, plays a significant role in promoting second language WTC.
• Macro-level trust is a powerful factor in encouraging communication across cultures.
• Cultivating general trust may enhance intercultural communication and language learning opportunities.