Motivation Towards Acquiring Second Language
When we talk about motivation in learning a second language, the concept of motives is important. Motives can be divided into instrumental motive and integratal motives.
Instrumental Motives:
1. To identify with the target community
2. To learn the language and the culture of the speakers
3. To become a member of the group
Geeta's Case:
Since she is working in the local company as a clerk, speaking english can foster communication with her colleagues. Also, speaking a mutually intelligible language, i.e. English, can foster understanding with the local as well.
Tessie's Case:
English is used mainly at work to communicate with her potential clients to know more about their needs and help her employers to find domestic workers.
Ahmad's Case:
Ahmad sees a need to speak in English so as not to be viewed as an outsider to the local community and finally to be seen as one of the member in the Hong Kong community
Inetgratal Motives:
1. The knowledge in a language is considered as a "passport to prestige and success”
2. A sense of academic or communicative success is more likely to motivate one to speak a foreign/second language (Ellis 1991).
Geeta's Case:
She is using English to demonstrate her identity as a well-educated Indian in the context of Hong Kong and to get rid of the stereotype that people presuppose to Indian.
Tessie's Case:
Tessie needs to use English to suit for her potential clients. This is more of a work requirement.
Ahmad's case:
Ahmad deems that he has to know how to speak English as it is universal language around the world and also official language in Hong Kong.
When we talk about motivation in learning a second language, the concept of motives is important. Motives can be divided into instrumental motive and integratal motives.
Instrumental Motives:
1. To identify with the target community
2. To learn the language and the culture of the speakers
3. To become a member of the group
Geeta's Case:
Since she is working in the local company as a clerk, speaking english can foster communication with her colleagues. Also, speaking a mutually intelligible language, i.e. English, can foster understanding with the local as well.
Tessie's Case:
English is used mainly at work to communicate with her potential clients to know more about their needs and help her employers to find domestic workers.
Ahmad's Case:
Ahmad sees a need to speak in English so as not to be viewed as an outsider to the local community and finally to be seen as one of the member in the Hong Kong community
Inetgratal Motives:
1. The knowledge in a language is considered as a "passport to prestige and success”
2. A sense of academic or communicative success is more likely to motivate one to speak a foreign/second language (Ellis 1991).
Geeta's Case:
She is using English to demonstrate her identity as a well-educated Indian in the context of Hong Kong and to get rid of the stereotype that people presuppose to Indian.
Tessie's Case:
Tessie needs to use English to suit for her potential clients. This is more of a work requirement.
Ahmad's case:
Ahmad deems that he has to know how to speak English as it is universal language around the world and also official language in Hong Kong.