L2 motivational self system, foreign language enjoyment as predictors of motivated behavior

Abstract

The research examined the three constructs of Second Language Motivational Self System (L2MSS) and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) as predictors of Motivated Behavior (MB) based on the participants (N = 335) of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in a Chinese education context. The exploratory factor analysis has been conducted to reveal the two components of Second Language Learning Experience (L2LE). By closer scrutiny of the theoretical model, we have found Ideal Second Language Self (Ideal L2 self), Emotional Engagement L2 Learning Experience (EEL2LE), Behavior Engagement L2 Learning Experience (BEL2LE), FLE as significant direct predictors of motivated behavior. Additionally, we also found that the Ideal L2 self can predict the motivated behavior mediated by EEL2LE and BEL2LE, and that EEL2LE can predict motivated behavior through FLE. Also, ought-to L2 self has been found to significantly predict motivated behavior mediated by BEL2LE. The results extended the scope of the L2MSS by integrating FLE and supplied suggestions for foreign language instruction based on the socio-educational context of China.

Keywords

• Ideal L2 self
• Ought-to L2 self
• L2 learning experience
• Motivated behavior
• Foreign language enjoyment