The motivations of learning English as a second language: A case study of Francophone undergraduate students at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

This study focuses on Francophone Undergraduate students at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) and their perspectives surrounding learning English as a second language (ESL). The purpose of this study was to explore the motivation and justifications of these students in learning English, one of the official languages of their country as well as the current global language. This study also sought to determine the influence of various factors such as the role of family and surrounding people, Quebecer identity, media resources and translation devices on ESL motivations. This study was conducted in two phases, via an online survey and a follow-up online interview. In the first phase, all the undergraduate students of UQAC, regardless of their program of study and ESL proficiency, were invited to respond to an online questionnaire. Out of the 37 respondents, five were selected to participate in the second phase, the follow-up interview. Results of both phases of the study were analyzed via in-depth case studies and a thematic content analysis. Emergent themes were analyzed and compared with corresponding concepts addressed in the literature review of this study. This analysis indicated that the participants are motivated to pursue ESL acquisition, given that this skill accords and accommodates their future communication needs. Participants were further asked about their preferred methods of learning ESL, which were compared with the ESL education they received in the Quebec school system. Shortcomings of ESL programs in schools were discussed and pragmatic recommendations were offered regarding enhancing ESL students’ experiences and success. Ce mémoire porte sur l’acquisition de l’anglais langue seconde (ALS) par des étudiants.es francophones de premier cycle de l’Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). Le but de cette étude était d’explorer la motivation et les justifications de ces étudiants dans l’apprentissage de l’une des langues officielles de leur pa