The Ideal L2 Self and International Posture in the Polish Educational Context

Abstract

Dornyei (The Psychology of the language learner: individual differences in second language acquisition. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ, 2005) has readdressed the concept of language learning motivation applying the psychological notion of self to the creation of the new model that postulates that a learner’s willingness to undertake efforts to master an L2 derives from the need to reduce the gap between one’s actual and the ideal or desired self. It seems justifiable to say that learning a foreign language entails the development of an L2 self and is interwoven with the issue of social identity. The L2 Motivational Self System considers the possible and ideal self in relation to “international posture” which, unlike the Gardnerian concept of integrativeness, accounts for a tendency to associate with the international community rather than any particular L2 group or culture. There seems to be a connection between international posture and the ideal L2 self as well as motivation to learn a target language. The present chapter presents and discusses the results of the research project whose aim was to explain motivated language learning behaviour in relation to the learners’ international posture. They imply that one’s willingness to establish and sustain contacts with foreigners, to travel and participate in international activities as well as interest in international affairs may translate into increased motivation and higher levels of proficiency.