Lesson 4: How Attitude and Motivation Influence L2 Acquisition

Let's see in this lesson how attitude and motivation influence L2 acquisition.

Key Concepts

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Linguistic Attitudes
Language Euphoria
Language Anxiety
Sociolinguistic Ecology
L2 Learning Engagement

Why Do We Learn Languages? The Role of Motivation

Ever wondered why some of us dive right into learning new languages while others might feel a bit more hesitant? To get to the bottom of this, let's dig into the idea of motivation in L2 learning.

In simple words, motivation is our reason or drive behind doing something. When talking about languages, there are two big reasons people choose to learn:

Intrinsic Motivation: This is when we learn a language because we really want to. Maybe it's the love for a particular culture, the desire to watch foreign movies without subtitles, or the thrill of chatting in another language.
Extrinsic Motivation: This is when outside reasons push us. It could be because our school requires it or because we believe it could offer better job prospects in the future.

Let’s take Switzerland as an example. Imagine living in a country where multiple languages are spoken everywhere. Some of us might learn a new language because we're genuinely curious, wanting to chat more with new people and possible friends or understand movies better. This is what we call "intrinsic motivation".

On the other hand, some of us might see the practical side: aiming for a job in another part, fitting into school programs, or just making daily tasks a bit easier. When reasons like these push us to learn, that's "extrinsic motivation".

Reflection (5 minutes):

Think about your own experience. Why are you learning a second language? Is it more because you love it, or because there are other benefits you see? Maybe it's a mix of both?

Critical Question:

Do you believe the education system should encourage both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations equally for language learning? If not, which should be emphasized more and why?

Chat with your classmate and see if you find similarities or differences in your reasons.

How Do Our Feelings and Surroundings Impact Language Learning?

You know how sometimes we just 'click' with certain things? Like that song we can't get out of our heads or a hobby we're passionate about? A similar connection can happen with languages. However, this bond isn't always wrapped in positivity. Our emotions towards a language and in general L2 learning could differ radically. We can imagine to highlight two contrasting poles: Language Euphoria and Language Anxiety.

Language Euphoria: The joy and excitement one feels when deeply resonating with a new language. Comparable to the thrill of immersing yourself in a new hobby or getting lost in a favorite song. This state makes every linguistic accomplishment feel monumental, or simply enjoyable!
Language Anxiety: Conversely, there's the daunting apprehension some feel, doubting their ability to master a language. This could arise from past unfavorable experiences, external pressures, or simply the complexity of the language itself.

Both emotional states profoundly influence our approach to language learning. Exploring further:

Sociolinguistic Attitudes: This is all about our personal feelings towards a language. If we're curious and excited about it, the learning process can feel more like a fun adventure rather than a chore. Think of it like having a favorite sport or hobby; the more passionate we are, the more time and energy we're willing to invest.
Sociolinguistic Ecology: Now, this sounds like a mouthful, but it's a concept that can make L2 learning incredibly immersive. Imagine planting a tree. To help it grow, you'd want to understand the soil, climate, and other plants around it. Similarly, sociolinguistic ecology is about understanding the 'environment' of a language: its culture, its place in society, and how people really use it day-to-day. By creating a 'sociolinguistic garden' around the language we're learning, we make it a part of our daily life, which can make picking up an L2 way easier.

When you're excited about a new hobby, like skateboarding, you'll likely immerse yourself in its world — watching videos, joining communities, or following influencers. Similarly, by diving into the sociolinguistic ecology of a language, you immerse in its 'world'. This boosts motivation, making learning not just about words, but experiences, stories, and connections. It's like turning language lessons into exciting and euphoric episodes of a favorite show, making the process more enjoyable and fruitful.

Activity 2: Dive Into Your “L2 (Socio)Linguistic Ecology” Through (Pop) Culture!

Objective: Use pop culture as a gateway to better connect with and understand the language you're learning.

Pop Culture Investigation:

Pair up with a classmate and consider your shared hobbies or interests, such as movies, sports, fashion, gaming, music, or more.
Dive into the internet and discover a song, short video clip, or influencer who discusses or showcases this hobby/interest in the L2 of your choice.
Jot down any words, phrases, or sentences you recognize. Note what intrigues you or makes you want to explore more.
Share with the class: Play a snippet or show a piece of content you discovered and discuss why you found it engaging.

Reflection:

How did you feel connecting your personal interests with content in your L2?
Do you think exploring your interests in another language, tapping into the sense of "language euphoria", could motivate you to learn it faster or more deeply?

Critical Reflection Question:

Considering the concepts of motivation and language euphoria, how do you think connecting an L2 to something you're passionate about influences your attitude toward learning that language? Can this euphoric connection truly make language learning more engaging and straightforward? Discuss in groups and then share with the class.

Homework Challenge (optional): Discover one more piece of content related to your interests but in your L2. Try to write a short summary or reaction to it and share it in our next class!

Final thought for this lesson

Language is not just a tool for communication, but a bridge connecting us to new worlds, cultures, and experiences. As we've explored, the journey of acquiring a new language isn't solely dictated by textbooks or vocabulary lists. Our personal motivations, emotions, and surrounding environment play pivotal roles. While everyone's journey with language is unique, understanding the intricacies of our motivation and attitudes can greatly enhance the process. By recognizing and harnessing the power of 'language euphoria', we can make our L2 acquisition a truly enriching and enjoyable experience. As you continue your language-learning journey, remember to embrace both the challenges and joys, knowing that each step forward is not only about learning words but also about expanding your horizons.

learn more about other fields of linguistics

Sources

Cook, V., & Singleton, D. M. (2014). Key topics in second language acquisition. Multilingual Matters.

Haugen, E.I. (1981). The Ecology of Language. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

Kramsch, C. (1993). Context and culture in language teaching. Oxford university press.

Kramsch, C., & Steffensen, S. V. (2008). Ecological perspectives on second language acquisition and socialization. Encyclopedia of language and education, 8, 17-28.

Saville-Troike, M., & Barto, K. (2017). Introducing Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge University Press.