What motivates successful language learners?

1 Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation

One way to think about motivation is to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic sources. Intrinsic motivation comes from within yourself, such as your interest, curiosity, or enjoyment of the language. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside factors, such as grades, rewards, or social pressure. Both types of motivation can be helpful, but research suggests that intrinsic motivation is more powerful and sustainable for long-term language learning. To boost your intrinsic motivation, try to find aspects of the language that appeal to you, such as its culture, literature, or music, and use them as sources of inspiration and fun.

2 Integrative vs. instrumental motivation

Another way to categorize motivation is to look at the purpose or goal of learning the language. Integrative motivation refers to the desire to communicate with and understand the speakers of the language, and to become part of their community. Instrumental motivation refers to the practical benefits of learning the language, such as career opportunities, academic success, or travel convenience. Both types of motivation can be valid and useful, but research indicates that integrative motivation is more conducive to developing communicative competence and intercultural awareness. To enhance your integrative motivation, try to interact with native or fluent speakers of the language, either online or in person, and learn about their customs, values, and perspectives.

3 Self-determination theory

Self-determination theory is a psychological framework that explains how human motivation is influenced by three basic needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy means having a sense of control and choice over your actions and goals. Competence means having a sense of skill and mastery over your tasks and challenges. Relatedness means having a sense of connection and belonging with others who share your interests and values. According to self-determination theory, satisfying these needs can enhance your intrinsic motivation and well-being. To apply this theory to your language learning, try to set your own goals and pace, monitor your progress and achievements, and seek feedback and support from your peers and mentors.

4 Attribution theory

Attribution theory is another psychological framework that examines how people explain their successes and failures, and how these explanations affect their motivation and behavior. Attribution theory identifies four dimensions of causal attributions: locus, stability, controllability, and globality. Locus refers to whether the cause is internal or external to the person. Stability refers to whether the cause is consistent or variable over time. Controllability refers to whether the cause is within or beyond the person's control. Globality refers to whether the cause affects many or few aspects of the person's life. According to attribution theory, attributing your outcomes to internal, stable, controllable, and specific causes can increase your self-efficacy and persistence. To use this theory to your language learning, try to acknowledge your efforts and strategies, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, take responsibility for your actions, and focus on the areas that need improvement.

5 Goal-setting theory

Goal-setting theory is a motivational approach that emphasizes the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for yourself. Goal-setting theory argues that having clear and challenging goals can increase your motivation, performance, and satisfaction. Goals can also help you monitor your progress, evaluate your results, and adjust your plans accordingly. To implement this theory to your language learning, try to identify your short-term and long-term objectives, break them down into manageable steps, and track your achievements and feedback.

6 Growth mindset

Growth mindset is a psychological concept that describes how people view their abilities and potential. People with a growth mindset believe that they can improve their skills and intelligence through hard work, practice, and feedback. They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and they embrace failure as a part of the process. People with a fixed mindset, on the other hand, believe that their abilities and intelligence are fixed and innate. They avoid challenges and risks, and they fear failure and criticism. Research shows that having a growth mindset can enhance your motivation, resilience, and achievement. To develop a growth mindset for your language learning, try to adopt a positive and curious attitude, seek new and diverse experiences, and learn from your mistakes and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?