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The theoretical paradigms of second language (L2) learning motivation developed over the past 25 years have been largely based on the study of English as a target language, which raises the question as to whether they are equally applicable to the understanding of the motivation to learn languages other than English (LOTEs). It is suggested in this article that current conceptualizations of L2 motivation display certain subtle characteristics that may not do full justice to the understanding of the motivation underlying LOTEs, either by downplaying certain important features or by providing an insufficiently nuanced representation of areas where the motivation to learn English and LOTEs diverges. The discussion addresses five such aspects: (a) the confounding interaction of English- and LOTE-related self-images, (b) the individualistic focus of the ideal L2 self, (c) the different nature/role of the ought-to self associated with languages with substantial versus marginal social support, (d) the different nature of goals in the learning of English and LOTEs, and (e) the differing role of unconscious motives in the study of English and LOTEs. (Verlag).

This article reports the first meta-analysis of the L2 motivational self system (Dörnyei, 2005, 2009). A total of 32 research reports, involving 39 unique samples and 32,078 language learners, were meta-analyzed. The results showed that the three components of the L2 motivational self system (the ideal L2 self, the ought-to L2 self, and the L2 learning experience) were significant predictors of subjective intended effort (rs = .61, .38, and .41, respectively), though weaker predictors of objective measures of achievement (rs = .20, -.05, and .17). Substantial heterogeneity was also observed in most of these correlations. The results also suggest that the strong correlation between the L2 learning experience and intended effort reported in the literature is, due to substantial wording overlap, partly an artifact of lack of discriminant validity between these two scales. Implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.

This study aimed to examine the effect of incorporating the generative pre-trained AI chatbot, ChatGPT, into an instructor-led writing class on the motivation of Japanese university students. This study examines changes in students’ Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, and L2 Learning Experience using Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) framework. These changes were analyzed before and after students engaged with ChatGPT. A mixed-methods approach, including questionnaires and open-ended questions, was employed. Eighty students were divided into two groups: control and treatment. The treatment group participated in writing workshops, collaborated, and received feedback from ChatGPT. Students who utilized ChatGPT reported higher levels in all three motivational factors, although only Ideal L2 Self and L2 Learning Experience showed statistical significance. These findings highlight the potential of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT in enhancing motivation and writing skills. This research aims to inform instructional practices and pave the way for future advancements in AI-assisted language learning. By exploring the nuanced effects of AI tools on language learning motivation, this study contributes to the understanding of effective AI integration in language classrooms and offers valuable insights for educators and researchers.

Despite awareness of the important role of motivation in second/foreign language (L2) learning, a thorough investigation into the motivational influence on the L2 writing processes and products has been neglected. In an attempt to fill this research gap, the present study explored the effects of different types of L2 self-related motivation (ideal and ought-to L2 selves) drawn from the theory of the L2 motivational self system (Dörnyei, 2005) on writing strategy use and writing quality. Sixty-eight Korean undergraduates with a low level of overall English proficiency responded to questionnaires designed to measure their ideal and ought-to L2 selves and writing strategy use. They also completed a descriptive composition task aimed at assessing their writing quality. Regression analyses revealed that the ideal L2 self had a significant positive effect on both planning strategy use and writing outcomes, whereas the ought-to L2 self was merely correlated with revising strategy use. This study provides some empirical support for the potential of an idealized future L2 self-image to become a major determinant of writing processes and products. The results are discussed with reference to a promotion/prevention focus and a sensitivity of the ideal and ought-to L2 selves to positive/negative learning outcomes.

This empirical study explores three aspects of engagement (affective, behavioral, and cognitive) in language learning within an English as a Foreign Language context in Japan, examining their relationship with AI utilization. Previous research has demonstrated that motivation positively influences AI usage. This study expands on that by connecting motivation with engagement, where AI usage serves as an intermediary construct. A total of 174 students participated in the study. Throughout the semester, they were required to use Generative AI (GenAI) to receive feedback on their writing. To prevent overreliance or plagiarism, carefully crafted prompts were selected. Students were tasked with collaboratively constructing essays during the semester using GenAI. At the end of the semester, students completed a survey measuring their motivation and engagement. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to reaffirm the previous finding that motivation influences AI usage. The results showed that AI usage impacts all three aspects of engagement. Based on these findings, the study suggests the pedagogical feasibility of implementing GenAI in writing classes with proper teacher guidance. Rather than being a threat, the use of this technological tool complements the role of human teachers and supports learning engagement.

Motivational development can no longer be considered as the stable phenomenon as it was considered in the past. It is now an element of individual difference which is constantly influenced by contextual factors. This study applied a dynamic system perspective and drew upon Dörnyei’s (2005) L2 Motivational Self-System to examine both male and female Iranian EFL learners’ motivational and behavioral variability over time with different levels of proficiency. To this end, 590 beginner to upper intermediate male and female students completed the Motivational Factors Questionnaire at one-month intervals during the semester. The results indicated that the students’ motivation could possibly be explored under dynamic systems’ principles. The findings demonstrated how students’ motivation changed over time and how it could be predicted in a moderately stable manner. The outcomes also showed that students’ motivational and behavioral developments were mediated by their proficiency levels and gender. Implications and directions for further research were also stated.

Second language (L2) motivation has been a topic which receives intensive attention. However, the peer effect on L2 motivation is insufficiently researched, although it is considered a crucial factor which may significantly mediate learners’ L2 motivation. Hence, the current study adopted Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) as a theoretical framework and investigated in which specific aspects peers might affect the learners’ L2 motivation and whether such effect was long-lasting. The research was designed as a small-scale qualitative study which was located in a language-focused experimental class project in China. Ten participants were recruited and individual interviews were conducted. The results demonstrated that, first, peers could remarkably influence the L2 motivation possessed by the students in the experimental class since they tended to create a clearer ideal L2 self and a more powerful ought-to L2 self. Second, although they had both positive and negative views towards the curriculum, a motivated peer climate could alleviate the pressure caused by the curriculum and reinforce positive attitudes. Third, such peer effect was not long-lasting. Based on the research results, pedagogical implications were proposed in terms of establishing a positive peer group and adjusting the emphasis of the curriculum.

This study investigates the dynamic relationships between self-efficacy, motivational intensity, and behavioral engagement and their effects on positive and negative self-identity among EFL learners participating in English Medium Instruction (EMI). Conducted with 390 undergraduate students from diverse academic disciplines, the research utilized a longitudinal design, administering pre- and post-intervention assessments of these constructs. A repeated measures MANOVA revealed significant improvements in all three independent variables, with behavioral engagement showing the largest gains, followed by motivational intensity and self-efficacy. Multiple regression analysis further demonstrated that these predictors collectively explained substantial variance in positive and negative self-identity. Behavioral engagement emerged as the most influential factor, positively enhancing self-perception, and mitigating identity conflicts, followed by motivational intensity and self-efficacy. The findings underscore the transformative potential of EMI, emphasizing the role of active participation, sustained motivation, and confidence-building in fostering positive self-identity while reducing negative self-perceptions. These insights highlight the importance of interactive and participatory pedagogical strategies, goal-oriented motivation, and scaffolded support in EMI contexts. By integrating these elements, educators can maximize the holistic benefits of EMI, preparing learners for global academic and professional opportunities. The study contributes to the growing body of research on EMI, offering practical implications for enhancing student engagement, motivation, and identity development. Future research is encouraged to explore the long-term impacts and contextual moderators of these relationships in diverse EMI settings.

This study explored the ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, and L2 learning experience of the L2 motivational self system (L2MSS) among Thai EFL senior high school students. It took the form of an explanatory mixed-methods research design using the L2MSS questionnaire adopted from Taguchi et al. (2009) and Subekti (2018) to collect quantitative data from 183 students and a semi-structured interview with 6 students for qualitative data. Results from the questionnaire revealed that the ideal L2 self and L2 learning experience were high, while the ought-to L2 self was moderate. The thematic content analysis generated five themes: 1) use of English in the envisioning future career, 2) entertainment as a motivator for self-study, 3) influence of external motivational factors on internal motivation, 4) the impact of learning context, and 5) threat of examination on learning for communication. The paper concludes by recommending further research on a relationship of L2MSS constructs and English learning achievement and how the three motivation constructs predict English learning achievement. Researching the roles of parents in creating English learning motivation, and peers influence on self-efficacy development as a means to generate self-images is also suggested.

Although ideal L2 self has been considered an importance source of L2 motivation, little empirical research has examined its specific properties and their motivational capacities. This study investigates how five properties of the ideal L2 self—centrality, accessibility, plausibility, vividness, and the existence of plans and strategies—predict two motivational criteria: the ideal L2 self’s self-guiding role and general intended learning effort. It also proposes and tests an elaborateness scale for learners’ descriptions of their ideal L2 selves in order to examine how descriptive elaborateness relates to the properties of the ideal L2 self and to motivation. Forty-four students wrote narratives about their ideal L2 self, and completed a questionnaire on specific aspects of the ideal L2 self and their motivation in general. The analysis finds only centrality to be a significant predictor for intention to learn, and only accessibility and plausibility to be significant predictors for the ideal L2 self’s self-guiding role. The elaborateness of narratives was weakly related to a global ideal L2 self, as well as to the centrality and plausibility of the ideal L2 self. Elaborateness was also related to future intended learning effort, but not to the ideal L2 self’s guiding role.