L2 MOTIVATIONAL SELF SYSTEM: A STUDY OF VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate Vietnamese university learners’ L2 motivation using L2 Motivational Self-System theory. There are 129 students from 11 universities in Ho Chi Minh City participating in this study. The two main instruments used in this research are an online questionnaire and online interviews. The main findings can be summarized in two points. Firstly, although having a vivid perception of their ideal language proficiency and quality, Vietnamese learners’ motivation is still highly influenced by their environment and their family. Secondly, the results also indicate that despite sharing the dominance of L2 Ideal Self there are several differences in the motivational profiles of English major and non-English major students. Drawing some teaching implication, in order to promote and sustain L2 motivation, both the needs of promoting learners’ Ideal L2 Self and their interest in English culture and improving teachers’ learning are crucial