Education, Science, Technology, Innovation and Life
Open Access
Sign In

A Study on the Dynamic Interaction between Learners' Motivation and Emotional Factors in Second Language Acquisition

Download as PDF

DOI: 10.23977/aetp.2025.090209 | Downloads: 29 | Views: 446

Author(s)

Wenhui Fan 1, Zhuo Li 1, Yanan Cui 1

Affiliation(s)

1 Jilin International Studies University, Changchun, Jilin, China

Corresponding Author

Wenhui Fan

ABSTRACT

This study explores the dynamic interaction between motivation and emotional factors in second language acquisition (SLA), synthesizing both theoretical frameworks and empirical findings. Motivation provides the driving force for learners to persist in language learning, while emotional factors, such as anxiety and confidence, significantly influence how learners process and apply linguistic knowledge. Despite extensive research on these elements as independent constructs, their interdependent and evolving relationship remains underexplored, particularly in diverse sociocultural contexts. Recent international studies emphasize dynamic systems approaches, revealing how motivation and emotional states co-evolve under varying classroom conditions. These studies highlight the significance of longitudinal methods to understand the fluctuations of these factors over time. In contrast, domestic research, often constrained by exam-oriented educational systems, focuses on extrinsic motivation and emotional barriers, such as anxiety, with limited attention to their interaction. This review highlights gaps in existing research, such as a lack of longitudinal studies and limited mixed-method approaches. It emphasizes the need for emotionally supportive classrooms, intrinsic motivation, and culturally relevant teaching strategies. Addressing these issues can deepen understanding of the relationship between motivation and emotions, enhancing SLA outcomes in diverse contexts.

KEYWORDS

Motivation; Emotional Factors; Second Language Acquisition (SLA); Dynamic Interaction; Affective Filter

CITE THIS PAPER

Wenhui Fan, Zhuo Li, Yanan Cui, A Study on the Dynamic Interaction between Learners' Motivation and Emotional Factors in Second Language Acquisition. Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology (2025) Vol. 9: 52-60. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/aetp.2025.090209.

REFERENCES

[1] Dörnyei, Z. (1998). Motivation in second and foreign language learning. Language Teaching, 31(3), 117-135.
[2] Noels, K. A., et al. (2000). Why are you learning a second language? Motivational orientations and self‐determination theory. Language Learning, 50(1), 57-85.
[3] Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
[4] Pessoa, L. (2009). How do emotion and motivation direct executive control? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(4), 160-166.
[5] Dörnyei, Z. (2000). Motivation in action: Towards a process-oriented conceptualization of student motivation. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 70, 519-538.
[6] Crookes, G., & Schmidt, R. (1991). Motivation: Reopening the research agenda. Language Learning, 41, 469–512.
[7] Chambers, G. N. (1999). Motivating language learners. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
[8] Blaney, P. H. (1986). Affect and memory: A review. Psychological Bulletin, 99(2), 229–246.
[9] Ainley, M. (2006). Connecting with learning: Motivation, affect and cognition in interest processes. Educational Psychology Review, 18(4), 391–405. 
[10] Ushioda, E. (2012). Motivation: L2 learning as a special case? In Psychology for language learning: Insights from research, theory and practice (pp. 58-73). London: Palgrave Macmillan.
[11] Saito, K., et al. (2018). Motivation, emotion, learning experience, and second language comprehensibility development in classroom settings: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study. Language Learning, 68(3), 709-743.
[12] Ford, M. E. (1992). Motivating humans: Goals, emotions, and personal agency beliefs. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
[13] Lu Ting. A Critical Review and Summary of Psychological Factors in Second Language Acquisition: Motivation, Attitude, and Emotion [J]. Language Literature Journal (Foreign Language Education and Teaching), 2013, (12): 96-99.
[14] Feng Hui. A Study on College Students' English Learning Motivation and Strategies from the Perspective of Emotion and Cognition [J]. English Square, 2022, (19): 80-83.
[15] Pan Yuanyuan. A Study on the English Learning Motivation and Self-Efficacy of High School Students [D]. Master's Thesis, Yan'an University, 2021.
[16] Zhou Yuan. A Study on the Correlation Between Emotional Factors and English Learning Motivation in Non-English Majors at the Graduate Level [D]. Master's Thesis, Central China Normal University, 2016.
[17] Huo Chunxiang. Practical Exploration of Reducing Affective Filter in English Teaching [J]. Teaching Monthly • Middle School Edition (Teaching Reference), 2017, (11): 20-22.
[18] Wang Fan. Application of Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis in Primary and Secondary School English Teaching [J]. Basic Education Research, 2019, (04): 33-34.
[19] Huang Ye. A Study on the Correlation Between English Learning Motivation Regulation Strategies and Autonomous Learning Ability in Middle School Students [D]. Master's Thesis, Minnan Normal University, 2023.
[20] Waninge, F., Dörnyei, Z., & De Bot, K. (2014). Motivational dynamics in language learning: Change, stability, and context. The Modern Language Journal, 98(3), 704-723.

All published work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2016 - 2031 Clausius Scientific Press Inc. All Rights Reserved.