Author(s)

Zhixin Xu ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ College of Foreign Languages, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China

Corresponding Author

Zhixin Xu

ABSTRACT

In the perspective of activity theory, this study explored the dynamic construction of the L2 motivational self system in the English learning process of two Chinese second-year non-English majors through a case study. The results from in-depth interviews showed that: (1) individual differences in the construction of motivational self images exist when driven by distinct desires; (2) internalized instrumental motivational orientations tend to support individuals to create motivational self image; (3) interactions occur among motivational self images, L2 learning experiences and learning objectives; (4) social community may guide individuals to internalize instrumental motivational orientation, and (5) the external pressure from the social community only cannot reduce the gap between ought-to L2 self and actual L2 self. This study also provides some pedagogical reference for the current college English teaching in Chinese universities.

KEYWORDS

L2 Motivational Self System, Activity Theory, dynamic, case study, China's college English learning

CITE THIS PAPER

Zhixin Xu, The Construction of Motivational Self System from the Perspective of Activity Theory. Applied & Educational Psychology (2024) Vol. 5: 135-144. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/appep.2024.050519.

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