The Challenges Facing EFL Motivation in China and the Discussion of Possible Solutions

Abstract

As language learning is difficult and dull for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners, this paper try to find out effective motivations based on the published research papers, experiment reports, and the reality of Chinese cultures and context, by analysis, summarizing, comparison and contrast. The following conclusions are drawn by this paper: “language motivational theories and factors” are a situated phenomenon, therefore, they should not be applied to the English learners in China without discussion and testing. Instrumental motivation, self-efficacy, autonomous extrinsic motivation, attitudes to learning English, ought-to L2 self are proven to be effective and can serve as positive motivations. Based on these, suggestions to teachers, parents and schools are given to improve the language learning efficiency.