1st Edition

Language Learning Motivation in a Multilingual Chinese Context

    208 Pages 3 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    208 Pages 3 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from teachers and students in Hong Kong’s secondary schools, this book examines critical questions in relation to language learning motivation and instructional contexts. Readers are provided with a critical overview of developments in theory and research on language learning motivation and the potential to further extend these developments.

    Grounded in the Douglas Fir Group conceptualization of language learning, the book explores the complex interplay of diverse factors that shape learners’ motivation. It offers a unique window into the situated nature of language learning motivation in the macro, meso, and micro contexts of a Chinese heritage society. In so doing, it brings the Chinese voice into the theorization of this important language learning construct. Potential future research avenues are suggested, and implications for policy and practice are discussed.

    This book will be a useful resource for academics and postgraduates interested in the fields of English as a second language (ESL), English language teaching, language teaching and learning.

    1. Introduction 2. Conceptualizing language learning motivation 3. A transdisciplinary perspective on language learning motivation 4. All languages were created equal, and yet… 5. The SCOLAR study 6. The sociocultural context and language learning motivation 7. The instructional setting and language learning motivation 8. Teacher cognition and language learning motivation 9. Teacher practice and language learning motivation 10. Personality and language learning motivation 11. The student voice on language learning motivation 12. Future directions and implications

    Biography

    Mairin Hennebry-Leung is Lecturer in Languages and TESOL at the University of Tasmania and was previously Assistant Professor in English Language Education at the University of Hong Kong.

    Xuesong (Andy) Gao is Professor in Language and Literacy Education in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and was previously Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong.