Effects of language proficiency on L2 motivational selves: a study of young Chinese language learners

Wong, Y. K. (2020) Effects of language proficiency on L2 motivational selves: a study of young Chinese language learners. System, 88, 102181. (doi: 10.1016/j.system.2019.102181)

Abstract

Based on the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS), influences of second language (L2) learners’ performed and self-perceived proficiency on their intended efforts toward L2 learning were evaluated with regard to their ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self. The participants were young Chinese language learners. A total of 121 grade-six ethnic minority students in Hong Kong took proficiency tests in listening and reading comprehension, rated their own Chinese proficiency, and responded to a L2MSS questionnaire. The results of structural equation modeling show that: (1) the students’ self-perceived proficiency was substantially related to their performances, and the influence of performed proficiency on the L2 selves was mediated by self-perceived proficiency; (2) the influence of self-perceived proficiency on the ideal self was substantial, and that on the ought-to self was limited and negligible; and, (3) it was primarily through the mediation of the ideal self that self-perceived proficiency affected intended learning efforts and further achievement in proficiency. The findings suggest a critical role played by the students’ self-perceived proficiency: it is a mediator of the influence of actual proficiency to motivation and a constituent part of the ideal self, which, in turn, promotes proficiency through intended efforts.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was supported by the Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), under a Direct Grant for Research (grant number: 4058052).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wong, Dr Gary
• Authors: Wong, Y. K.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: System
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0346-251X