Introducing Second Language Acquisition

Introducing Second Language Acquisition

1. Attitude and motivation

   • Socio-psychological factors of attitudes and motivation are closely related to L2 learning perseverance and success.
     • Attitude can be defined as a predisposition or tendency to respond in an evaluative manner toward someone or something.
       • In terms of L2 learning, some dimensions along which attitudes may vary include
         • Attitudes toward the L2 community and L2 speakers
         • Attitudes toward learning the target language
         • Attitudes toward languages and language learn- ing in general.

2. Motivation

   • In L2 learning has been defined by Gardner (1985)
     • As consisting of effort to learn the language (motivational intensity), desire to learn the lan guage, and attitudes toward learning the language, expressed as a formula
       • Motivation = Effort + Desire to achieve goal + Attitudes toward learning the language

3. Attitude/ Motivation Test Battery (AMTB)

   • Gardner (1985)
     • Tool to measure motivation
       • Used and adapted for use in various language learning contexts.
         • A frequent distinction made with respect to motivation is one between intrinsic and extrinsic types.
           • A frequent distinction made with respect to motivation is one between intrinsic and extrinsic types.
             • Intrinsic motivation
               • Intrinsically motivated behaviours aimed at bringing about internally rewarding consequences feelings of competence and self-determination
                 • An intrinsically motivated language learner may desire to become an excellent speaker of the target language, due to a personal desire to excel.
             • Extrinsic motivation
               • Anticipation of reward from outside and beyond the self
                 • For example a learner might be someone who considers better language skills will lead to getting higher paying or more prestigious employment.
             • Orientations
               • Overall aim, purpose, direction, and/or goal of the activity. An orientation is an inclination, the underlying force directing the choice of the particular reason.