A Case Study of Chinese University Students' Portuguese Learning Strategies in a Multilingual Environment in Macau

Abstract

Aiming at the phenomenon of a large number of Chinese students studying in Macao in recent years, this study investigates the language learning strategy behaviours of two Chinese international students at University A in Macao as well as two mainland students who went to Macao for a one-year exchange as case studies. Based on the relevant theories of second language acquisition, the interviews and observation records were qualitatively analysed, and the characteristics of Chinese international students' implementation of language learning strategies in a multilingual environment and the related influences were explored. The findings suggest that language learning strategy behaviour is a dynamic process of continuous interaction between the learning context and individual learners, reflecting individual variability and uncertainty. International students need to weigh the relationship between Portuguese and English learning strategies, and to complement each other's strengths in order to improve their learning strategies. Students who come to study in Macau should make full use of the multilingual environment in order to obtain the positive effects of this environment.