Research on the challenges and influencing factors of language adaptation for Malaysian international students

Ningqian Ma

doi:10.54254/2753-7102/2025.27497

Advances in Social Behavior ResearchOpen access

Research on the challenges and influencing factors of language adaptation for Malaysian international students

Research Article

Open Access

Research on the challenges and influencing factors of language adaptation for Malaysian international students

Ningqian Ma ^1*

¹ North China University of Science and Technology

^*Corresponding author: jm01560182@163.com

Published on 29 September 2025

ASBR Vol.16 Issue 8

ISSN (Print): 2753-7110

ISSN (Online): 2753-7102

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Abstract

As China has moved to the era of degree involution, many students have chosen to go abroad to pursue further study because of the cost-effective tuition fee and the excellent educational resources. Malaysia has become a preferred option for many students. According to Education Malaysia Global Services (2025) data, Chinese students studying abroad have emerged as Malaysia's most significant international student population. And the adaptation for international students is a hot topic among scholars. This study examines the challenges and factors affecting adaptation for Chinese international students in Malaysia. It addresses language barriers and cultural adaptation, analyzes influencing factors, and proposes practical solutions. Meanwhile, the main research objective will be those oversea students studying in Malaysia who came from China, this study will provide valuable and consultable reference for students who will pursue study in Malaysia and Chinese students studying in Malaysia who is suffering adaption anxiety. Hopefully, this study will also attract attention to the issue of overseas students’ mental health and welfare. The study shows that the language barrier is still the main factor, and students can release their stress by consolidating their language foundation, improving their self-learning ability, broadening their social circle and so on.

Keywords:

Cross-cultural international students, international students' language adaptation, second language anxiety, adapt to the English-speaking environment

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