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 SDT external regulation orientation were strongly correlated, and that travel friendship, and knowledge orientations were highly intercorrelated with identified regulation and intrinsic motivation. (Author/VWL)