Examined self-determination theory (SDT) in the language learning context. Involved the development of a valid and reliable instrument to assess different subtypes of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and explored the link between these motivational sub-types and various orientations to language learning. Showed instrumental orientation and the…

A study of college students' motivation for learning, and other social-psychological aspects of second language learning, found students learn German for instrumental, friendship, travel, identification/influence, and knowledge reasons. Fluency was related to motivation, and students of German heritage had higher self-confidence in the German…

Replicates previous research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for language learning in French Canadian students of English and considers the relations between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and integrative orientation. Quebecois university students completed a questionnaire addressing their reasons for learning English. (Author/VWL)