Search

Although motivational variables have been extensively examined in the context of English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL), they have received little attention when learning Chinese as a second language (CSL), especially among elementary school students in lower grades. Considering the significant impact of psychological variables on language learning and the dilemma of Chinese reading for non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students from Hong Kong, this study examined the structural relationship between the ideal L2 self and intrinsic motivation, as well as their impacts on the learning engagement and reading performance of 475 Hong Kong first-grade NCS students. Two findings were noteworthy: (1) under the simultaneous consideration of the above-mentioned variables, intrinsic motivation affects learning engagement and Chinese reading performance more than the ideal self; (2) the indirect effects of intrinsic motivation on reading performance through learning engagement are more significant than its direct effect on reading performance. The implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perseverance of effort is essential for success in learning a second language (L2). While past research has examined how motivational beliefs (e.g., growth mindset) influence L2 learners' perseverance, their generalizability and underlying motivational mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between growth language mindsets and perseverance of efforts in L2 learning, as well as whether this relationship can be explained by the ideal L2 self and ought‐to L2 self. A cohort of 740 EFL students from four universities in China completed a questionnaire. The results revealed that EFL learners with higher levels of growth language mindsets showed greater levels of perseverance in language learning. Furthermore, mediation analysis indicated that growth language mindsets indirectly predicted perseverance through both the ideal L2 self and the ought‐to L2 self. These results suggested that the motivational mechanisms associated with growth language mindsets are complex, involving both ideal and ought‐to images of the L2 self, which in turn could contribute to sustaining perseverance in L2 learning. Theoretical and practical implications for researchers and language teachers are discussed in light of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given much importance associated with willingness to communicate (WTC) in foreign language learning, many researchers have carried out studies to explore antecedents of second language (L2) WTC. To contribute to this research domain, this study sought to test a model of ideal L2 self, growth language mindset, boredom and WTC among English major students. In so doing, we recruited a total number of 437 undergraduate English major students from different universities in Iran, who were requested to complete an online survey containing the questionnaires of these four variables. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the construct validity of the questionnaires. In addition, structural equation modelling was performed to test the hypothesised structural relations among the variables. Results showed that ideal L2 self and boredom significantly influenced (English as a Foreign Language) EFL students' WTC directly. Nevertheless, the growth language mindset influenced WTC indirectly, through the mediation of boredom. The findings suggest notable implications for teaching and learning EFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Positive Psychology in second language acquisition has placed greater emphasis on the vital role of engagement in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Although previous research has established that EFL learners' engagement is affected by ideal L2 self, boredom, and grit respectively, sporadic studies have attempted to address the simultaneous link between these factors and engagement. To fill the gap, this study aims to examine the association between the ideal L2 self and engagement among EFL learners, with a special focus on the mediating role of grit and boredom in the relationship. A total of 466 EFL learners were enrolled in two public universities in Northern China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results revealed that grit positively predicted engagement and mediated the relationship between the ideal L2 self and engagement. Moreover, boredom negatively predicted engagement and acted as a mediator between the ideal L2 self and engagement. However, ideal L2 self did not directly predict engagement. These findings contribute to the current knowledge by elucidating the complex relationships between the three factors and engagement, which can provide insights for pedagogical practices and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of digital gamified language learning on language achievement has been corroborated in the literature; however, its impact on language achievement, especially in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context needs further investigation. In addition, the related literature has not sufficiently confirmed the impact of digital gamified language learning on some psychological domains of EFL learning. Objectives: This study, therefore, employed a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods approach to explore the effects of digital gamified language learning using a mobile application (app) affordances on EFL learners' language achievement, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and ideal second language (L2) self. Methods: To this end, 36 EFL learners were randomly divided into two groups; one group was randomly assigned to the digital class, including 19 EFL learners, and the other group was assigned to the non‐digital class, consisting of 17 EFL learners. The digital learners did the digital gamified language learning activities individually and interactively and received peer and instructor feedback, whilst the non‐digital learners did the same language learning activities in printed format and received peer and instructor feedback. A language achievement test, the FLE scale, and the ideal L2 self‐scale were used to collect the quantitative data and an individual semi‐structured interview was carried out to gather the qualitative data. Results and Conclusions: One‐way ANCOVA, used to analyse the quantitative data, revealed that the digital and non‐digital classes improved the EFL learners' language achievement, FLE, and ideal L2 self; however, the digital learners outperformed their non‐digital counterparts in all the measures. Thematic analysis, utilised to analyse the qualitative data, uncovered some themes about the digital learners' positive and negative attitudes and perceptions towards the digital gamified language learning activities, clarifying the quantitative findings. Implications: Pedagogical implications are discussed. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Digital gamification involves employing game‐supported activities to interact with other learners, improving their language learning.Several studies have been carried out focusing on the salient role of digital gamified language learning activities in improving learners' language learning.As elements of positive psychology, foreign language enjoyment and ideal L2 self can improve learners' enthusiasm and involvement in digital gamified language learning activities. What this paper adds: Digital gamification using a mobile app's gamified affordances develops English language learners' language achievement, foreign language enjoyment, and ideal L2 self.Digital gamification is more effective than non‐digital gamification in improving English language learners' language achievement, foreign language enjoyment and ideal L2 self.English language learners in digital classes hold positive attitudes and perceptions towards the effects of digital gamification on their language learning. Pedagogical implications: Digital gamified language learning activities can be an effective and engaging supplement to non‐digital classroom teaching, especially in English language contexts where learners may have limited opportunities for authentic language learning collaboration.English language learners can utilise digital gamified language learning affordances for language development, particularly for their collaborative language learning activities with other classmates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of English Teaching & Learning is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: This study delves into the intricate network of motivational factors that influence online learning satisfaction among intermediate-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in mainland China. Methods: A diverse sample of 496 EFL students participated in this research. Structural Equation Modeling was employed as the analytical method. Results: The results of the study reveal significant and positive relationships between ideal L2 self and L2 grit with online learning satisfaction. Additionally, online learning self-efficacy emerged as a crucial mediator between ideal L2 self and online learning satisfaction, as well as between L2 grit and online learning satisfaction. Discussion: These findings provide valuable insights into the motivational dynamics within online language learning contexts. They offer practical implications for educators and instructional designers seeking to enhance students' online learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bartin University Journal of Faculty of Education is the property of Bartin University Journal of Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The acquisition of a second language has consistently emerged as a fundamental concern among students globally, paralleled by the enduring significance of motivation for second language learning. The primary objective of this study was to examine the intricate interplay between the motivational dimensions of the L2 selfsystem, encompassing the ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, and L2 learning experience, and their potential impact on the attainment test scores of Iranian pre-intermediates and intermediate EFL learners. By exploring the correlation between these specific motivational factors and the learners' test performance, the study shed light on the nuanced dynamics and significance of these motivational constructs within Iran's distinct cultural and educational context. Methodology: A descriptive correlational study was explicitly devised to ascertain the correlation between the L2 motivational self-system and the attainment test scores of Iranian pre-intermediates and intermediate EFL learners. A total of 150 students, encompassing both males and females, aged between 18 and 29 years, representing various academic disciplines, participated in this study. Ryan's (2009) Motivational Factors Questionnaire was administered among the participants. The study involved the analysis of 21 items pertaining to ought-to L2 self, ideal L2 self, and L2 learning experience. Results: Adopting multiple regression analysis, it was indicated that the ideal L2 self and L2 learning experience were noteworthy predictors significantly impacting the attainment test scores. However, ought-to L2 self could not significantly predict the attainment test scores. Conclusion: By virtue of the valuable implications engendered by the findings of this study, they confer upon L2 pedagogy a distinctive advantage, empowering instructors with the capacity to promote the students' ideal L2 self-concept, thereby optimizing their learning experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role that individual difference factors play in pragmatic learning behavior has received increasing attention in second-language (L2) pragmatics. However, there is a dearth of studies exploring the relationship between learners' motivational variables and their pragmatic production. To address this gap, the present study aims to examine a model of the ideal L2 self, self-efficacy, willingness to communicate (WTC), and pragmatic production among English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners. The study also seeks to explore the mediating role of WTC within this structural model. For this purpose, a total of 427 undergraduate students at a public university in China were recruited for an online survey. The structural validity of the questionnaires was established using a confirmatory-factor analysis, while the hypothesized structural relations between the variables were tested through structural-equation modeling. The results demonstrated that self-efficacy and WTC significantly and directly predicated pragmatic production. Nevertheless, the ideal L2 self influenced pragmatic production indirectly, through the mediation of WTC. The study concludes by providing implications for teaching and by offering suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Theoretical Educational Science / Kuramsal Eğitimbilim Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the relationship between the L2 Motivational Self System—namely, the ideal L2 self and the ought-to L2 self—and L2 Willingness to Communicate (L2 WTC) in the classroom (a typical place for English communication among EFL learners) and in the extramural digital setting (an emerging English communication channel increasingly used by young EFL learners). To this end, 417 Chinese EFL middle school students (ages 12 to 14) participated in the study. After controlling for demographic factors hierarchical multiple regression results showed that the ideal L2 self significantly predicted L2 WTC both in the classroom and in an extramural digital setting. Interview data (n = 4) also elaborated that students attempted to lessen the discrepancy between their current L2 self (e.g., EFL learners) and ideal L2 self-images (e.g., discussing the professional National Basketball Association in an American radio program) by becoming more willing to communicate in both communication environments. In addition to new research directions, these results offer pedagogical implications that the ideal L2 self can facilitate L2 communication orientation in in-class and out-of-class digital environments, both of which are typically venues for L2 communication among today's young EFL learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The communicative component of language learning has gained importance in line with the needs of the 21st century. So, different factors which influence the communicative ability of language learners has caught the attention of the researchers. Willingness to communicate (WTC) is one of these individual variables which affects the communicative ability of learners and various aspects of this construct are widely investigated in different language learning contexts. However, the number of studies in Turkish English as a foreign language (EFL) context is limited. Thus, the primary goal of the study was to investigate L2 WTC in Turkey. 711 preparatory school students at a state university completed measures of WTC, communication confidence, motivation, ideal L2 self, learner beliefs, classroom environment, and a vocabulary test. According to the results of the structural model, the relationships of classroom environment with both WTC in English and communication confidence were fully mediated by motivation to learn English, ideal L2 self, and learner beliefs. Moreover, the relationships of learner beliefs and ideal self with WTC in English were fully mediated by communication confidence. Motivation to learn English directly influenced WTC. Lastly, vocabulary size indirectly influenced WTC through communication confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most interesting areas in second and English-language teaching and learning has been the study of motivation. In this study, the L2 Motivational Self-System theory (Dörnyei, 2005) was adopted in the conceptual framework with the emphasis on learning experiences through the 5Ts of motivation in the classroom (Renandya, 2014). The purpose of this study were to: 1) investigate the levels of motivation towards English language learning among secondary students, and 2) identify the factors that affect the English language learning motivation of secondary school students. The participants consisted of 462 secondary students at Ave Maria School in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. An explanatory mixed-method design with quantitative and qualitative data was used in this study. The research results showed that the level of students’ motivation towards English language learning among secondary students was high based on the three main components: Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, and L2 Learning Experience. Furthermore, the qualitative data brought to light the types of support that secondary students required, which were classified into five themes: Ideal L2 Self; Ought-to L2 Self; 5Ts of motivation in the classroom; Peers; and social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study leverages positive psychology (PP) to explore the reciprocal relationships among foreign language enjoyment (FLE), ideal L2 self, and grit in English major learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). It further examines the potential for growth mindset to predict these constructs over time. Employing a cross-lagged panel design, the research investigates these relationships among 903 EFL learners in Iran, assessed at two time points. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilized to analyse the hypothesized reciprocal and predictive effects. The findings reveal a significant lagged effect of ideal L2 self on both FLE and grit, suggesting that a stronger ideal L2 self at the initial assessment predicts higher levels of FLE and grit at the subsequent time point. Additionally, growth mindset exhibits a significant influence on all three constructs, but only at the first assessment point. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the motivational dynamics underlying EFL learning success and highlight the potential benefits of fostering a growth mindset and a strong ideal L2 self among learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the Saudi EFL students' L2 motivation based on the L2 Motivational Self System in an online learning environment in the Saudi EFL context during the global change of the educational systems and the shift from face-to-face learning to online learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach by using a QUAN-qual method involving a questionnaire and semi-structed interviews for data collection. 440 female EFL secondary school students from the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia participated in the quantitative phase. The questionnaire aimed to measure students' L2 motivation in light of the L2 Motivational Self System. Further semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 female EFL secondary school students to provide a more in depth understanding of their experiences. After the analysis of the data, it was revealed that more than half of students have ideal L2 self. The study also revealed that learners' have positive attitude towards online learning although the communication aspect is missed, which students considered it as an important element in online learning. The study recommends stakeholders to adopt new approaches that focus on promoting students' future ideal L2 selves and enabling them to form and visualize their ideal L2 selves in virtual EFL classrooms and implement online learning platforms that ensure interactions between students and teachers and students themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, and L2 learning experience of the L2 motivational self system (L2MSS) among Thai EFL senior high school students. It took the form of an explanatory mixed-methods research design using the L2MSS questionnaire adopted from Taguchi et al. (2009) and Subekti (2018) to collect quantitative data from 183 students and a semi-structured interview with 6 students for qualitative data. Results from the questionnaire revealed that the ideal L2 self and L2 learning experience were high, while the ought-to L2 self was moderate. The thematic content analysis generated five themes: 1) use of English in the envisioning future career, 2) entertainment as a motivator for self-study, 3) influence of external motivational factors on internal motivation, 4) the impact of learning context, and 5) threat of examination on learning for communication. The paper concludes by recommending further research on a relationship of L2MSS constructs and English learning achievement and how the three motivation constructs predict English learning achievement. Researching the roles of parents in creating English learning motivation, and peers influence on self-efficacy development as a means to generate self-images is also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learners' emotions in learning a foreign language are claimed to shape complicated dynamic associations contributing to their motivational and linguistic outcomes, as evidenced by recent research in this area. In order to advance this research area, this study sought to investigate the foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) as the predictors of ideal L2 self in Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. The total number of 195 English-major students from various universities completed an online survey containing the three scales in question. The measurement models were first verified using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Then, the structural model for the relations among the variables was tested employing structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM results showed that although FLE and FLCA significantly predicted ideal L2 self, FLE was a stronger predictor of ideal L2 self than FLCA. This study provides significant pedagogical implications for EFL practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directed motivational currents (DMCs) is a novel construct investigated by motivation researchers. Earlier studies on DMCs have focused on explaining its unique nature while the individual difference (ID) factors impacting upon its power and long-term sustainment has been under-researched. The aim of this research study was to reveal the structural interactions among DMC dispositions, self-regulated strategy use, language learning effort, ideal L2 self and imagination capacity/vision of tertiary level EFL learners in Turkish higher education context. The study was conducted with 305 participants and it employed a quantitative research design. Data were collected using a composite survey instrument. Findings showed that imagination capacity, ideal L2 self, language learning effort, and self-regulated strategy use had direct or indirect effect on DMC experience. It is probable, therefore, that these ID factors could help explain long-term existence of DMCs depending on the strength of their predictive power. On the basis of these findings, providing learners with vision-setting and vision-sustaining activities, encouraging them to put effort into the learning process and teaching them how to self-regulate via some external interventions were proposed to enhance the strength and sustainment of this unique experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been a surge of publication on L2 motivation studies, not much has been investigated regarding motivation to learn languages other than English. As a longitudinal interview study, the present study investigated two cases of Japanese university students focusing on the development of ideal L2/L3 self and ideal multilingual self. The results indicated that the development of ideal L2/L3 self was closely related to that of ideal professional self, and an elaborate ideal L2/L3 self helped learners persist and achieve high competence in the target languages. Furthermore, reading skills were considered especially important among the interviewees, which was not emphasised in contexts where learners have daily contact with the target languages. One of the interviewees was not negatively impacted by English and becoming multilingual, which seemed to be helped by a range of factors including ideal L2/L3 self, strong intrinsic motivation, and rich life experiences. The case demonstrated the possibility of developing an ideal multilingual self and becoming multilingual even in an era when English functions as a global language. Based on the results, theoretical and pedagogical implications that might be particularly helpful in foreign language contexts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of teachers' use of face threat mitigation (FTM) strategies on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' state motivation, motivation to process instructional materials, vision of their ideal L2 self, and L2 achievement in a distance course. To this end, sixty-three EFL learners were assigned into one of the two conditions: high FTM condition and low FTM condition. In the high FTM condition, the teacher buffered the threats to the students' face needs via the use of FTM tactics. In the low FTM condition, the teacher's interventions were, on the other hand, direct and without any efforts to mitigate the possible threats. The results indicated that teachers' efforts to positively redress their instructional feedback interventions can positively influence EFL learners' state motivation and motivation to process instructional materials, can promote their vision of their ideal L2 self, and can contribute to language learning success. The study concluded that the way EFL teachers communicate their feedback interventions is as important as, or even more subtle than the forms and the modality of feedback they select. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of technology in today's world has made contact across cultures easier than ever. The current study aimed at exploring the association between EFL learners' intercultural contact and their L2 motivational self system. The study also dealt with the relationship between the components of intercultural contact and those of L2 Motivational self system. The research participants completed two relevant questionnaires online. The results revealed that the major sources of intercultural contact among Iranian EFL learners were media and art. The results of correlational analysis showed a significant association between intercultural contact and L2 motivational self system and their components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socio-economic status (SES) has been consistently shown to influence students' educational achievement, but to date, few studies have investigated the role of SES in language learning motivation. This study aims to examine to what extent two indicators of SES, school location and parents' education, affect motivation of Polish 15-year-olds to study English. The questionnaire, completed by 599 participants, was based on Motivational Systems Theory [Ford, M. 1992. Motivating humans: goals, emotions, and personal agency beliefs. London: Sage Publications.] The results indicate that both school location and parents' education affect language learning motivation. Students from rural schools and those whose parents have a lower level of education tended to be less motivated than their peers from cities and those whose parents have higher levels of education. The differences concerned the goals the students adopted, their personal agency beliefs, emotional arousal processes, ideal L2 selves and self-regulation. This study highlights the need to raise teachers' awareness of the issue. From the methodological perspective, it stresses the necessity to ensure sample representativeness in terms of students' SES when conducting research on affective factors in language learning and calls for more research involving participants from lower SES backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research examined the effects of instrumentality‐promotion and attitudes to culture and community on ideal L2 self in two educational contexts in Iran, an expanding circle country where English has not played an official or institutional role. The data obtained from 833 learners in high schools and universities was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi‐group structural equation modelling (MSEM). The results show instrumentality‐promotion is more strongly linked with ideal L2 self and there is not a statistically significant difference in the positive effect of instrumentality‐promotion and attitudes to culture and community on learners' ideal L2 self according to the group. The findings illustrate the way in which English learners in this context develop identities needed for constructive interaction in a multicultural world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the relationships between the variables – experience abroad, self-efficacy, and self-perceived proficiency – and the self-concept in the L2 Motivational System and identify which of these variables contribute more to its explanation. Research data on 197 Korean university students majoring in English related studies were collected and analyzed using simple and hierarchical multiple regressions. This study re-confirms ideal L2 self as being more influential on motivated learning behavior than ought-to L2 self, which is consistent with many previous studies. It was also found that experience abroad is statistically related to ideal L2 self, but not to ought-to L2 self, which means, as experience abroad increases, ideal L2 self is likely to be enhanced. The results also identified the crucial role of self-efficacy in the formation of ideal L2 self while taking experience abroad into account. Additionally, the students' ideal L2 self was found to be more readily explained by their proficiency in communicative skills than that of academic skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed a large-scale cross-sectional survey (n = 443) to develop and validate second language (L2) regulatory styles [Noels et al. 2000. "Why are You Learning a Second Language? Motivational Orientations and Self-Determination Theory." Language Learning 50 (1): 57–85] in the sample of successful English learners in an English as a second language context. Confirmatory factor analysis was used in this study to test five different models and the preferred model identified as many as six factors of regulatory style (i.e. intrinsic knowledge, intrinsic accomplishment, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation and external regulation) in that context. Integrated regulation was the most endorsed factor among all regulatory styles, and it had a medium correlation with identified regulation. Different from Noels and her colleagues' proposition [Noels, Clément, and Pelletier 2001. "Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Integrative Orientations of French Canadian Learners of English." Canadian Modern Language Review 57 (3): 424–442] that it was hard to differentiate integrated regulation from identified regulation, the findings of this study suggest otherwise, and L2 regulatory styles would do well to extend its scope to allow for integrated regulation as a separate entity. Thus, foreign language teachers are expected to help students internalise the behaviour of this foreign language learning into their own goals or needs. That behaviour contributes to an individual's psychological well-being [Ryan and Deci 2000. "Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-being." American Psychologist 55: 68–78] and then contribute to an ideal L2 self. Introjected regulation was rejected, signifying that successful L2 learners need more autonomous motivation to be high achievers. Therefore, it is suggested that the specifics of a language proficiency group and different learning contexts as well should be taken into account in the future study on language learners' motivations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In researching second language (L2) learners' motivation, the traditional Gardnerian concept of integrativeness was readily applicable in a world where discrete L2 communities were often clearly identifiable. However, the growing dominance of global English has rendered this construct less relevant for the ever-increasing numbers of L2-English learners for whom there is no geographically-defined L2 community with which to integrate. This transformation of the language learning landscape has seen integrativeness reinterpreted as a concept more aligned with individuals' self-identification and future visions as L2 users. The demand for English teachers worldwide has led to large numbers of first-language English speakers finding such work outside their own countries, but their motivation to learn the languages of their host nations remains unexplored. Based on interviews with 14 English as Foreign Language (EFL) instructors in South Korea, the present study found that most lacked the clear future L2 self visions required to drive motivation. In such cases, the traditional concept of integrativeness also retains its explanatory value, particularly as participants tended to attribute their lack of motivation to elements of the broader society in which they were living. These findings have implications for research on similar cohorts operating in a globalized marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Language & Linguistics Studies is the property of Journal of Language & Linguistics Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to examine to what extent Turkish EFL learners' L2 motivational dispositions which are ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self and language learning experiences predict their intended effort for language learning. The study was designed from a quantitative perspective in which the participants were given a composite instrument. The study was conducted at a state run secondary school in Turkey and the participants were 254 students including 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The results indicated that secondary level Turkish EFL students have high scores on all of the L2 motivation variables. However, the statistical analyses suggested that the participants' level of ought-to L2 self was significantly higher than their level of ideal L2 self. It was also seen that when the participants got older, their levels of ought-to L2 self appeared to indicate a decreasing trend. Besides, the results asserted that the secondary school students' intended effort for learning a language was found to be predicted mostly by language learning experiences, then ought-to L2 self and lastly ideal L2 self, according to hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results were discussed in line with L2 motivational self system studies in the literature and it was concluded that the results in favor of ought-to L2 self might imply the existence of peer or community pressure in language learning process of secondary school EFL students in Turkish context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was set to test a model of willingness to communicate (WTC) based on ideal L2 self, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. To this end, 601 intermediate EFL learners volunteered to take part in an online survey by completing the scales of the four latent constructs. A two-stage structural equation modelling was used to analyze the collected data. Results of the data analysis indicated that ideal L2 self, ICC, and FLE directly predicted L2 WTC. Additionally, ICC and FLE mediated the relationships between ideal L2 self and L2 WTC. Also, FLE had a direct influence on ICC. These findings may provide important implications for EFL teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students who secure admission to the universities in Sri Lanka do not pay attention on learning English as a Second Language (L2) when they sit for their qualifying examination for the universities. Once they enter the university they get different perceptions of the world including that of the importance of English. This study investigates the perceptions on the motivation levels and the bicultural identity of the freshmen at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The perceptions of the learners are investigated under three different categories; Ideal L2 Self, Ought L2 Self, and L2 Learning Experience. This endeavour studies the learners' L2 selves and the factors that impact the L2 selves. A questionnaire has been administered to gather data from the informants and the results reveal the factors contributing to the L2 identity construct of the particular Tamil medium learners. The collected data has been analyzed based on the factors for the motivating capacity of the Ideal and Ought Selves which would to hinder or enhance the motivational impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study attempts to conduct a comparison of the tripartite model of L2 Motivational Self System in two different learning contexts, Chinese EFL and ESL learning settings. It was designed using a mixed methods approach, with a primary questionnaire instrument being supported by secondary interview data. The quantitative data was submitted to Amos version 18.0 to evaluate proposed models. It was found that L2 learning experience was the most important predictive dimension of intended learning effort for both samples. However, the roles of the other two components, the ideal L2 self and the ought-to L2 self, appeared to be unstable, which concludes that Dörnyei’s tripartite model obtained partial support in both EFL and ESL contexts. The analysis of qualitative data offers strong evidence for the claim that the future self-guides do not necessarily result in intended effort unless some essential conditions are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Dörnyei's model of second language (L2) motivation, the motivated learner aims to incorporate the L2 into his or her self-concept, known as the ideal L2 self. This study examined the internal consistency of Dö rnyei's model among ESL Francophone students in Quebec (n = 68) by means of a questionnaire. Correlations were calculated between factors measuring Gardner's motivation construct, integrativeness, and Dörnyei's ideal L2 self; both of these factors were then correlated with the criterion measure of intended learning effort. Findings from the present study revealed not only a strong relationship between Gardner's integrativeness and Dörnyei's ideal L2 self, but also that the L2 self construct was a more reliable indicator of intended learning effort. These results support calls to reframe L2 motivation within the psychological concept of the self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that motivation is one of the most important individual differences (Dörnyei, 2005), there have been few attempts to examine what impact it has on studying English in Poland. This study aims to find out the general motivational properties of Polish students aged 15-16, focussing on the role of language learning goals, self-constructs, the influence of parents, peers and language learning anxiety. The second aim is to investigate which variables contribute significantly to students' self-regulated behaviour. To answer these questions, the researcher used a mixed methods approach, in which 236 students enrolled in compulsory education in southern Poland completed a motivational questionnaire and nine motivated learners participated in an interview. The quantitative data from the questionnaire was analysed using SPSS and the interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed qualitatively. The findings suggest that the students endorsed a number of language learning goals, such as knowledge orientation, international orientation and instrumental orientation. The role of parental encouragement, peer group pressure and language learning anxiety was limited. Although the questionnaire pointed to moderate levels of self-constructs, this was different for motivated learners who reported positive self-evaluations. Regression analysis showed that motivated behaviour, intrinsic motivation and the ideal L2 self influenced self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This action research study reports results from students (449 in phase one; 341 in phase two) in conversation-based, EFL classrooms. In phase one, we asked students, "Please describe a group of classmates that you could learn English well with. What would you all do to help each other learn better and more enjoyably?" Then in phase two, we coded their answers into 16 general descriptors and returned these to students, asking them to respond to three Likert questions: (a) this is important, (b) my classmates are doing this, and (c) I am doing this. We found that sharing these descriptors of Ideal L2 Classmates among and across classrooms enabled students to imagine further how they could help their classmates' learning. Quantitative and qualitative results indicate a resonating group-framed motivation effect in which students tend to become more helpful and resourceful for each other. We hypothesize this effect occurs through first formulating ideals about others and then identifying self-reflexively with these ideals, which we call reciprocal idealizing. Findings suggest that pedagogical applications of possible selves theory would do well to include active participation of imaginings within a lived experience, proximal peers and environments, past and present self guides, and possible others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, based on the assumption that the imagery component of the vision of future-self, particularly the ideal L2 self, has a powerful motivational influence on the learning behavior of learners, the paper aims to investigate the relationship between the learners' vision of ideal L2 self (V- ideal L2 self) and their self-regulated learning (SRL) behavior. The second purpose was to explore the concepts of vision of future-self and self-regulated learning from the learners own experience in order to present a comprehensive picture of how Saudi EFL learners may envision their future-self and what factors have contributed in constructing their visions. In this study, data were collected by means of questionnaire and interview. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicated that learners' self-regulated learning behavior are motivated by their V-ideal L2 self which highlights its motivational power in L2 learning. Furthermore, the qualitative data suggested that learners' visions of future-self are varied due to the contribution of several factors that influence shaping their vision including learners' self-efficacy, significant others, and learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes two recent Korean immigrants' ESL learning motivation using Dörnyei's (, The L2 motivational self-system. In Z. Dörnyei & E. Ushioda (Eds.), Motivation, language identity and the L2 self, pp. 9-42) Second Language (L2) Motivational Self-System, which is synthesized with Engeström's (, Activity theory and individual and social transformation. In Y. Engeström, R. Miettinen, & R. Punamáki (Eds.), Perspectives on activity theory, pp. 19-38) Activity Theory (AT) framework. Over a 10-month period, the author conducted semi-structured monthly interviews and stimulated recall tasks. The findings of this case study suggest the following: (1) when sociocultural factors are mediated by L2 learners' beliefs, these factors may directly influence learners' ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self; (2) learners' sensitivity with inclusive attitudes can transform the L2 learning environment into meaningful affordances; and (3) if there is no tension among elements in individual's AT system, the individual's ideal L2 self can be maintained. From the Vygotskian AT perspective, this paper implies that affordances may positively affect maintenance of the ideal L2 self and the ought-to L2 self and that AT can function as a coherent framework for these two L2 selves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the L2 Motivational Self System has drawn considerable attention in Second Language Acquisition. Previous studies have discussed the system itself, its basic concepts and their relationships to such affective variables as anxiety in various L2 learning contexts. The findings of these studies suggest that (1) having a clearer image of one's ideal L2 self might facilitate motivated L2 learning behaviour, (2) affective variables can promote or hinder learners' will to envision their ideal L2 selves, and (3) the system has both theoretical and pedagogical implications for L2 learner autonomy. The present survey study aimed to validate the system among Japanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in two groups, whose learning contexts made it respectively easier and harder to formulate a clear image of an ideal L2 self. Survey data were analysed using multiple-group structural equation modelling. Results showed that the proposed model fitted both groups, but the relationships among variables in the model were different according to the group. The study also illustrated the dynamic interplay of affective variables (e.g. anxiety, self-efficacy) and the basic tenets of the system thereby providing us with useful insights into L2 learner autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Within the framework of the L2 motivational self system, the present study investigates the temporal evolution of the motivational characteristics of Iranian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) across three different populations: secondary school, high school, and university students. The data were collected from a number of 1,041 Iranian learners of English using a questionnaire survey specifically developed to be used in the context of Iran. The ANOVA results of the study showed that the promotion-focus variables (i.e. the ideal L2 self, L2 learning experience, instrumentality-promotion, attitudes towards L2 culture and community) generally improved with age up to entry into university; on the other hand, the variables with a preventional regulatory focus (i.e. the ought-to L2 Self, family influence, instrumentality-prevention) declined with age. In addition, the results of the multiple-regression analyses showed that only variables with a promotional orientation predicted motivated learning behavior and the factors predicting motivation and the ideal L2 self were different from the factors associated with the ought-to L2 self. The results are discussed based on the socio-educational context of Iran. The study provides strong evidence for a dynamic perspective towards L2 motivation and possible L2 selves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to provide observational evidence on the relationship between teachers' use of motivational strategies and students' motivated behavior in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context of Iran. To this end, 741 male learners of English from 26 secondary school classes taught by 17 teachers participated in the study. The teachers' use of motivational strategies and the students' motivated behavioral codes were measured using a classroom observation instrument originally developed by Guilloteaux and Dörnyei (2008). Furthermore, the participating students completed a questionnaire that consisted of both situation-specific and general-motivational scales. Finally, a post hoc rating scale was employed to evaluate the teachers' overall motivational practice. The results showed that the teachers' motivational practice is significantly related to the students' motivated behavior. Further, while no differences were found between high-motivation and low-motivation learner groups in terms of their ideal second language (L2) selves, the low-motivation group had stronger ought-to L2 selves. The results will be discussed with reference to the socio-educational context of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between students' perceptions of learning contexts and motivation to learn English in Korea. Three categories of contexts were operationalized: the transnational context as learners' international interest including study-abroaddesires, the national context as awareness of English learning to prepare for CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) and their classroom experience as the last category. A total of 433high school students were assessed on measures of L2 learning goals, perception of contexts, self-reported L2 proficiency and motivational intentionin the questionnaire, followed by focal participants' interviews and essays. The statistical analyses show that transitional and classroom categories are statistically correlated with motivational intention. However, the national context is negatively correlated with actualmotivation. Multiple regression analyses found that the transnational category is the best predictor form otivational intention, while the national category involves the least significant predictor. The students' classroom experience is also a meaningful, milder than transnational, predictor. Synthesized results of both quantitative and qualitative data suggest thatL2 motivation is more of a sociolinguistic construct that should be construed in relation to multiple social contexts. Findings also suggest Dörnyei's (2005, 2009) notion of the ideal L2 self can better explain the complexity of L2 learning motivation, whereby the integrative-instrumental dichotomy loses its explanatory power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase in international trade, mass transportation, and information technology, the role of English as a global language has changed, and conventional EFL/ESL motivation needs paradigmatic reconstruction. This study compares Dörnyei's (2009) recent proposal of a second language (L2) motivat-ional self-system with Gardner's (1985) socio-educational model by investigating 2,832 Korean students' English learning motivation from Grades 3 through 12 in 14 different schools. The cross-grade survey results indicated that Korean EFL learners' motivational intensity showed a curvilinear pattern, which means their motivation consistently decreased until Grade 9 but increased from Grades 10 to 12. A series of regression analyses showed that Dörnyei's L2 motivational self-system was a better predictor than Gardner's socio-educational model in terms of the explanatory power for students' English proficiency; students' ideal L2 and ought-to L2 selves explained better than integrativeness and two types of instrumentality (i.e., promotion- and prevention-based). This confirms the findings of recent literature conducted in different nations. Also, the study provides empirical evidence that the ought-to L2 self, which is an external, social form of L2 motivation, functions only at the cognitive level, whereas the ideal L2 self, a more internalized form, taps into both the cognitive and affective levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the perceptual learning style, ideal L2 self, and motivated L2 behavior of Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, and Swedish high school students. Guided by Dömyei's (2005, 2009a) L2 motivational self-system, this quantitative study extends Al-Shehri's (2009) and Tae-Young Kim's (2009a) research by reinterpreting the role of perceptual learning styles in the creation of learners' ideal L2 self and the maintenance of their motivated L2 behavior. The statistical analysis found that learners' perceptual learning styles (i.e., visual, auditory, and kinesthetic styles) were significantly correlated with their ideal L2 self and motivated L2 behavior. However, the results of the regression analysis indicate that none of three perceptual learning styles were meaningful predictors of motivated L2 behavior. Instead, only ideal L2 self were found to be meaningful predictors of their motivated L2 behavior. The ANOVA results indicate that although the Chinese students were more likely to show motivated L2 behavior than the other students, they showed a significantly lower level of the ideal L2 self than the Swedish students. By focusing on the relationship between learners' perceptual learning styles and motivated L2 behavior based on the L2 motivational self-system, this study provides evidence that the creation of ideal L2 selves plays a pivotal role in sustaining motivated L2 behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The research reported in this paper investigates how the motivational and attitudinal dispositions of students who learnt both English and German simultaneously at the time of data collection differ for the two foreign languages. The study is based on data gathered with the help of a standardised questionnaire from 237 16/17-year-old learners of English and German. Based on L2 Motivational System, it can be concluded that students’ Ideal L2 self proved to be the most significant component of predicting motivated learning behaviour for both English and German as a first or second foreign language. However, only English as a first foreign language (as opposed to as a second foreign language) was appraised with solely positive attitudes and dispositions by the students. For German (either first or second foreign language) and English as a second foreign language, the negative effects of the motivational dimensions related to the other foreign language cannot be neglected. In order to explain the complex results, they will be discussed within the framework of the Dynamic Systems Theory (DST; ). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]