Exploring the L2 motivational self system of Chinese English language learners

Abstract

L2 motivation research has witnessed great development during recent decades. To re-conceptualize, the ‘integrativeness’ of the traditional socio-educational model, Dörnyei (2005) proposed the L2 motivational self system for better understanding and predicting L2 motivation. Therefore, the theory of Dornyei’s L2 Motivational Self System was employed to investigate the English learning motivation of L2 learners in China context by conducting a qualitative study. The data were collected from eight Chinese university students by semi-structured interviews. It revealed that the ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self and L2 learning experience all contributed to the intended learning efforts of L2 learners. Overall, the current study provided empirical and qualitative evidence to support the construct of Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self System in China context.