L2 Motivational Self System of the Seminary Students learning English Language in Pakistan

Abstract

This study tests the validity of Dörnyei (2005) L2 Motivational Self System in a new context of Madrassa. A mixed-method approach has been applied in this study. A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed among 1000 students of fifteen different Madrassas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The current study posits that the Dörnyei model of the L2 Self System is not valid in the Madrassa context. The study examines that ideal and Ought-to L2 selves are the weakest contributors in motivating Madrassa students for second language learning. The findings reveal no significance among the three main components (ideal self, ought-to self and L2 learning experience) of the L2 Motivational Self System. Moreover, the new construct of learning English for religious purpose was found useful, and all the participants showed their interest in it. This study concluded that multiple personal and religious factors strongly affect the motivational level of Madrassa students.