Motivation and Learner Identity Explored: Perspectives From Future-Oriented Theories

• In Event: 52.085 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 52.085-1 - Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

Building on future-oriented theories, future time perspective (Nuttin & Lens, 1985) and possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986), this study investigated the role of the future in Turkish sojourners’ motivation to learn English and their identity construction. Data were collected from 299 Turkish graduate students studying in U.S. universities via surveys and interviews, and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings suggested that the possible selves theory contributed to explaining the motivation and identities of these Turkish learners, but future time perspective was not useful in explaining the L2 motivation. Qualitative data showed that learners presented combinations of several identities. They imagined themselves as professional and successful English users, and they worried about being seen as “assimilated” or as “show-offs.”

Authors

• Duygu Uslu-Ok, The University of Texas - Austin

• Diane L. Schallert, The University of Texas - Austin