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What Makes a Book Yomigai-Laden? Student Perspectives on Reading Fulfillment
Extensive reading (ER) should be truly fulfilling to students. While enjoyment is reported to be vital in language learning, meaningful ER goes beyond positive emotions. Drawing insights from psychological and sociological research on well-being, this study introduces Yomigai (sense of fulfillment/worthiness from reading)—a Japanese concept derived from Ikigai (life purpose) and Yarigai (situational ikigai)—as a holistic concept integrating emotions, motivation, engagement, and more. A survey conducted with Japanese university EFL learners quantitatively (multiple-selection) and qualitatively (comment) examined their most Yomigai-laden books, reasons for their choice, and emotions experienced. Findings indicate that curiosity and interest, combined with challenge and immersion, contribute to Yomigai. Length and difficulty were perceived as motivating rather than discouraging. These findings corroborate the Deep Epistemic Emotion Hypothesis. Response examples and practical strategies to enhance Yomigai in ER are also discussed. This research provides insights into optimizing ER programs for deeper, more fulfilling learning experiences.
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Yu Kanazawa, PhD (@knzw783) is an associate professor (lecturer) at the Graduate School of Humanities, The University of Osaka (Handai), Japan. He is the project leader and the lead coordinator of the Fundamental Theory SIG, The Japan Association for Language Education & Technology Kansai Chapter (LET-FMT-SIG) and ELINET Japan Branch. His research interests include nonconscious emotion in foreign language learning (Micro-Level Emotion), epistemic emotions, deep active learning ELT pedagogies, P4ELT, ELT case method, and cognitive psychology, to name a few.