Motivation, Language Identity and the L2 Self

Due to its theoretical and educational significance within the language learning process, the study of L2 motivation has been an important area of second language acquisition research for several decades. Over the last few years L2 motivation research has taken an exciting new turn by focusing increasingly on the language learner’s situated identity and various self-perceptions. As a result, the concept of L2 motivation is currently in the process of being radically reconceptualised and re-theorised in the context of contemporary notions of self and identity. With contributions by leading European, North American and Asian scholars, this volume brings together the first comprehensive anthology of key conceptual and empirical papers that mark this important paradigmatic shift.

Zoltán Dörnyei is Professor of Psycholinguistics at the School of English, University of Nottingham. He has published widely on various aspects of second language acquisition and language learning motivation including Motivation, Language Identity and the L2 Self (2009, edited with Ema Ushioda).

Ema Ushioda is an Associate Professor in ELT and Applied Linguistics at the Centre for Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick where she teaches MA courses and coordinates the Doctorate in Education. Her research interests include language motivation, autonomy, sociocultural theory and teacher development. Her publications include Learner Autonomy 5: The Role of Motivation (1996, Authentik), Towards Greater Learner Autonomy in the Foreign Language Classroom (2002, Authentik, co-authored with David Little and Jennifer Ridley) and Learner Autonomy in the Foreign Language Classroom: Teacher, Learner, Curriculum and Assessment (2003, Authentik, co-edited with David Little and Jennifer Ridley).