Compensational motivation in demotivated multiple foreign language learners
A complexity theory perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20403665 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hao Xu (0000-0002-6507-4436, Beijing Foreign Studies University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-17 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-13 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Language Awareness (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0965-8416 • E-ISSN: 1747-7565 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09658416.2025.2585010 |
| OpenAlex | W4416198861 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 22 |
Drawing upon the complexity theory perspective and the framework of multilingual self, this multiple-case qualitative study explored the motivational dynamics of multiple foreign language learners in a Chinese university setting. Specifically, it investigated how their motivations shifted at the outset of learning a new foreign language, in addition to previously learnt foreign language(s). Data were primarily collected through individual interviews, complemented by written documents. The findings revealed a pattern of demotivation related to previously learnt languages, influenced by factors such as unsuccessful learning outcomes and unfavourable future prospects. The emergence of sub-selves related to the new language(s) was found to compensate for this demotivation, leading to a compensational motivation. This interplay between demotivation and compensational motivation reshapes the overall multilingual self, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of learners’ motivational states across languages. This study contributes to the existing literature on multilingual learning motivation by examining the specific sub-selves related to different languages and revealing how the division of languages intricately impacts motivational dynamics, highlighting the compensational nature of learning motivation and the influence of social considerations such as cultural capital acquisition on language learning decisions
Foreign language · Foreign language teaching · Language proficiency · Perspective-taking · Pragmatics · Educational and Psychological Assessments · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Second Language Acquisition and Learning
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| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |