Modeling L2 motivation change and its predictive effects on learning behaviors in the extramural digital context: a quantitative investigation in China

Guangxiang Leon Liu

doi:10.1515/lingvan-2023-0145

Article

Modeling L2 motivation change and its predictive effects on learning behaviors in the extramural digital context: a quantitative investigation in China

Guangxiang Leon Liu

Published/Copyright: August 1, 2024

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From the journal Linguistics Vanguard Volume 10 Issue 1

Abstract

Language learning in the extramural digital (ED) context has recently gained momentum because it focuses on second language (L2) learners’ autonomous, unstructured, online learning activities beyond the classroom. Drawing upon Dörnyei’s L2 motivational self system (including the ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, and L2 learning experience) to operationalize L2 learners’ motivational mindsets, this study aims to investigate whether L2 English learners’ ought-to L2 self can be translated into their ideal L2 self and predict learning behaviors within the ED context. Survey data from 310 undergraduate students in a top-tier Chinese university were collected and analyzed following a structural equation modeling approach. The results indicate that participants’ ought-to L2 self can facilitate the development of their ideal L2 self only through the full mediation effect of the L2 learning experience in the ED environment. Also, while students’ ought-to L2 self cannot directly predict their motivated learning behaviors in the ED context, there exists a significant indirect impact through the joint mediation of the L2 learning experience and ideal L2 self. These findings contribute to the ongoing conversation about L2 motivational dynamics by unveiling the conversion and interaction of different L2 motivational forces in digital and out-of-class settings.

抽象的

本研究借鉴 Dörnyei 的二语动机自我系统 (理想二语自我、应该二语自我和二语学习经历) 来测量中国英语学习者的二语动机以及他们在课外数字环境中的学习行为. 结构方程建模分析显示在二语学习经历和理想二语自我的共同中介下, 学生的应该二语自我可以间接预测他们在课外数字环境中的学习行为。本研究为揭示二语动机变化做出了贡献.

Keywords: L2 motivation change; extramural digital context; informal digital learning of English; structural equation modeling; Chinese EFL learners

关键词: 二语动机变化; 课外数字环境; 英语非正式数字学习; 结构方程建模; 中国英语学习者

Corresponding author: Guangxiang Leon Liu, Department of English, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China, E-mail: G.Liu@link.cuhk.edu.hk

Acknowledgments

I am obliged to the participants who voluntarily participated in this study.

Data availability statement: The data can be made available upon request.

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Received: 2023-10-02

Accepted: 2024-05-23

Published Online: 2024-08-01

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/lingvan-2023-0145

Keywords for this article

L2 motivation change; extramural digital context; informal digital learning of English; structural equation modeling; Chinese EFL learners