scholarly journals Refugees’ L2 learning: new perspectives on language motivation research

XLinguae ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 64-80
Author(s):  
Monica Ortiz Cobo ◽  
Roman Kralik ◽  
Rosella Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Refugee Students ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
L2 Learning

This study analyses the factors that influence the second language learning motivation of refugees in Italy. To do so, we have conducted an ethnography by making interviews and questionnaires to adult refugee students of the Italian language. The analysis of the data highlights that the peculiar migration experience of this type of students results in specific language learning motivation factors. Starting by the existing paradigm, we discuss the refugee second language (L2) learning motivation as composed by the following dimensions: Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, Social Distance, Learning Experience, Self-confidence, and Anxiety and Multilingual Self.

scholarly journals English as a Vocational Passport: Japanese Medical Students and Second Language Learning Motivation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Bryan J. Mathis ◽  
Thomas Mayers ◽  
Flaminia Miyamasu
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Japanese Patients ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
International Posture ◽  
High Degree

Recently, Japanese medical students are expected to acquire a high degree of English proficiency with the tacit understanding that it will feature in their future profession through interactions with non-Japanese patients and/or engagement with medical research. However, to the best of our knowledge, the motivation of Japanese medical students to learn English as a second language (L2) has not been studied. Using quantitative and qualitative questionnaires, we investigated the L2 learning motivation of second-year Japanese medical students and the degree to which the students have international posture, i.e., their awareness and openness to internationalization. The results revealed that the students were primarily instrumentally and vocationally motivated; in other words, their chief motivation for L2 learning came from an understanding of the usefulness of L2 proficiency for their future profession. The results also showed that the students had strong international posture, as evidenced by a deep desire to communicate internationally and an understanding of the role of English as a tool for global communication. The findings suggest that, to sustain or improve L2 learning motivation, educators should employ study materials that are pertinent to students’ future needs and professions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document