Foreign language enrollments in U.S. higher education are falling at an unprecedented rate since the 1980s. This mixed methods case study sought to investigate this phenomenon by examining the motivational and attitudinal profiles of 89 beginning-level learners of foreign languages (Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese) and the contextual factors…

This study examines the experiences of mixed-race Korean Americans in their journey to develop and use their heritage language, Korean, through in-depth autobiographical interviews. Participants highlighted the role of 'Korean-speaking spaces' such as Korean churches or grocery stores, where the expectation is to speak Korean, as important sites…

Although motivation has been one of the most commonly studied subjects in second and foreign language learning in recent decades, it still remains an enigma for learners and teachers. This longitudinal study aimed to follow a student (N = 1) studying German in both second and foreign language environment for three years. The study was descriptive,…

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies at the University of Nottingham hosted the fifth annual conference in the "Innovative Language Teaching at University" series. Under the heading "Enhancing participation and collaboration" the conference, organised by Cecilia Goria, Oranna Speicher and Sascha Stollhans, took…

In this article we investigate what characterizes the language learning motivation of Hungarian English language students in terms of Dornyei and Otto's process model of motivation ("Motivation in Action," 1998). We used a mixed-method research design, in which qualitative interviews conducted with 20 students were supplemented with…

The role of such affective variables as integrative motivation in successful adult second language learning is explored. It is argued that the myth of the melting pot is based on commitment to integration, and that integrative motivation is thus viewed as desirable in minority group members. Studies of affective variables in second language…

Using a questionnaire, this study examined Jordanian undergraduate students attitudes toward learning the Hebrew language. Results show that students express a neutral, guarded attitude toward Jewish language and culture. In general, the results indicate the importance of learning Hebrew and suggest that learning is intrinsically motivated.…

A study compared students' orientations toward learning Spanish to their orientations toward learning English or French as a second language, and examined other variables, including interethnic attitudes and contact, motivation, self-confidence, and Spanish competence. Results do not permit a clear delineation of a sociomotivational basis for…

A survey of 43 Scottish open university students, aged 28-87, who were studying another language, examined extent of bilingualism; schooling in and exposure to other languages in youth; school, family, media, and travel influences on language attitudes; and motivations for language study. Social and educational legacies affecting student…

A Mexican study investigated the relationship between foreign language learning motivation, anxiety, and learning strategies of beginning-level university English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students who are at risk of failing the EFL class only. Subjects were 68 students identified as having serious problems with listening comprehension and…

In 1982-83 a formative evaluation of the second-year English as a second language program at the University of Puerto Rico was conducted to examine whether the current curriculum was meeting the English language needs of the students. The instrument used was a questionnaire in Spanish to measure the students' self-assessed proficiency in English,…

This study investigated variables associated with students' attitudes about second language use and second language learning. Subjects were 173 university students in foreign language classes. The questionnaire consisted of 27 Likert-type statements addressing such issues in language learning as performance anxiety, self-confidence, interest in…

Literary instruction as a central element of language instruction for non-language majors at the secondary and college level is advocated to remotivate American students to learn languages. This approach is not directed at those who need oral skills, such as prospective language teachers, interpreters, and translators. It is suggested that more…

Uses an attitude/motivation battery and matched-guise procedure to examine Kazak, Uygur, and Yi subject's ratings of Putonghua (PTH) and Chinese ethnic minority nationality (EMN) languages and 12 variables in PTH learning. Shows among other things that integrative orientation of Beijing people are the best predictors of EMN's instrumental…

Reviews the history of the English language in Egypt and examines the forms and functions of English use in contemporary Egypt. (Author/VWL)