Introducing Second Language Acquisition

Introducing Second Language Acquisition

1. Attitudes and motivation

   • Gardner & Lambert, 1972
     • Indicates that the socio-psychological factors of attitudes and motivation are closely related to L2 learning perseverance and success.
       • Motivation plays a major role in any learning situation, including learning another language.
         • 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 learning in general

2. Motivation

   • I L2 learning has been defined by Gardner (1985)
     • As consisting of effort to learn the language (motivational intensity), desire to learn the language, and attitudes toward learning the language, expressed as a formula:
       • Motivation = Effort + Desire to achieve goal + Attitudes toward learning the language
         • Gardner (1985) developed a tool to measure motivation
           • Attitude/ Motivation Test Battery (AMTB)
             • Has been widely used and adapted for use in various language learning contexts.
               • Studies using other instruments, have generally confirmed that motivation appears to be an important factor in second language acquisition

3. Intrinsic motivation

   • Intrinsically motivated behaviours aimed at bringing about internally rewarding consequences . feelings of competence and self-determination.
     • 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 ” (material and nonmaterial rewards
           • For example; language 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.
                   • Integrative orientation
                     • Involving a desire to know more about and identify with the target language community
                   • Instrumental orientation,
                     • When instrumental reasons primarily motivate the language study.