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Language Learning Motivation and Its Role in Learner Complaint Production

Author

Listed:
  • He Yang

    (College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China)

  • Xinxin Wu

    (School of Foreign Studies, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214126, China)

Abstract

While motivation plays an important role in language learning, few attempts have been made to explore its significance in second language (L2) pragmatics learning. The current study investigated whether and how language learning motivation affects L2 pragmatics production. A total of 60 adult Chinese learners of English participated in this study. Data were elicited from a motivation questionnaire and a discourse completion task (DCT). The results revealed that L2 learners with high motivation performed better in making complaints in the target language than learners with low motivation. Moreover, learners’ levels of pragmatic production correlated positively with their overall L2 motivation, as well as with four motivational subscales, namely, attitudes towards learning English, ideal L2 self, intended learning efforts, and attitudes towards the L2 community. Regression analysis showed that learners’ attitude towards learning English best predicted their production of the speech act of complaints. The findings of this study support the role motivational dispositions play in learners’ L2 pragmatic production. The study provides insight into the interaction of L2 motivation and pragmatics learning.

Suggested Citation

  • He Yang & Xinxin Wu, 2022. "Language Learning Motivation and Its Role in Learner Complaint Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10770-:d:900999
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xi Zhao & Wei Xiao & Jiajia Zhang, 2022. "L2 Motivational Self System, International Posture and the Sustainable Development of L2 Proficiency in the COVID-19 Era: A Case of English Majors in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-15, July.
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      Keywords

      L2 motivation; motivational levels; L2 pragmatics; pragmatic production; speech act of complaints;
      All these keywords.

      JEL classification:

      • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior
      • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior

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