Scholarly attention for Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) has sharply increased in the past three years for its role in facilitating language learning as well as promoting language learners' well-being. However, the conceptualization and measurement of FLE in China, which has the largest number of EFL learners in the world, is only just starting. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the current study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese Version of the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale, and investigated FLE in a specific Chinese EFL context. Through surveying two samples of 1,718 students and 360 students in Stages 1 and 2, a new 11-item and 3-factor model (i.e. FLE-Private, FLE-Teacher, and FLE-Atmosphere) was confirmed and validated. The students scored highest on FLE-Teacher, followed by FLE-Private and FLE-Atmosphere.The analysis of the qualitative data collected from 64 participants in Stage 3 showed that beyond the general factors linked to the teacher and peers, the individual experience of FLE is shaped by a large range of learner-internal and learner-external variables.

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The present study adopted a mixed-method approach combining principles from Complex Dynamic Systems Theory and Positive Psychology to examine the interaction between Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) of 1,307 Chinese students, the single and combined effects of FLCA and FLE on self-perceived English proficiency and actual English achievement, and finally, the effect of EA on FLE and FLCA. Statistical analyses revealed negative correlations between FLCA and FLE in three groups at different levels of English achievement. Qualitative data from 64 participants threw further light on this complex relationship. Second, FLCA was found to be significantly negatively related to self-rated proficiency at all achievement groups while FLE was positively related. Similar significant relationships were also found between two classroom emotions and actual English achievement except in the low achievement group. Finally, qualitative data allowed us to investigate the possible causes for this relationship.