Motivational Orientation in Foreign Language Learning: The Case of Filipino Foreign Language Learners

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to determine the extent of which motivation differentiates foreign language (FL) learners. The secondary purpose of this study is to compare motivation of Filipino FL learners using the Foreign Language Learning Motivation Questionnaire and to investigate whether age group, sex, FL being learned and length of studying of FL could influence differentiation in the motivation of FL learning among Filipino students. Thus, it was hypothesized that the variables included in this study could differentiate motivation of FL learners. The participants of this study were 150 students who had elected to study foreign languages from three universities in Metro Manila. Eighty of the participants are females (53.3%), while 70 are males (46.7%). Data were cross-sectional in nature with 26 learning Chinese (17.3%), 40 learning French (26.7%), 50 learning Japanese (33.3%) and 34 learning Spanish (22.7%). Results show that younger learners motivational orientation is towards cultural understanding, cultural integration and self-satisfaction. Females are more motivationally oriented than males towards communication and affiliation and self-efficacy. Japanese language learners are more motivationally oriented towards career and economic enhancement, French language learners towards affiliation with foreigners, and Spanish language learners towards self-efficacy. The study recommends some instructional and pedagogical strategies for teaching foreign languages.