The motivational profile of adolescent foreign language learners: An international comparison

Despite the many benefits associated with learning another language, multiple studies have indicated that students across nations have differing motivational profiles that leave them more or less interested in pursuing language learning. Understanding the motivational influences of language learners in different countries and cultures has the potential to help guide and shape curriculum that meets student needs and interests. In response, the researchers used a mixed methodology to investigate the motivational profile of 132 American students studying Spanish, 220 German and 184 Chinese students learning English, and 38 students from New Zealand studying German. Data collected from surveys and interviews suggested both many commonalities among the students with respect to their reasons for language study and what motivates them in their language classrooms, as well as a number of interesting differences. Foreign language teaching stakeholders should consider the results of the study when planning instruction, instructional materials, and programming in order to better meet the motivational profile of their students.