Motivation for Language Learning: Jobs Abroad Context
When individuals learn a new language, their reasons or drives behind this effort can vary significantly. Understanding these underlying motivations helps explain the learning process and its intensity. Psychologists and linguists often categorize language learning motivation into distinct types.
Understanding Instrumental Motivation
Instrumental motivation arises when a learner sees the language as a tool or a means to achieve a specific, often practical or external, goal. This goal could be:
- Securing a job or improving career prospects.
- Passing an exam or obtaining a qualification.
- Meeting the requirements for immigration or study abroad.
- Conducting business effectively in a foreign market.
In the context of the question, Indians going abroad specifically for jobs are primarily driven by the need to use the local language to succeed professionally. The language is a tool to achieve their employment goals. This goal-oriented drive is the hallmark of instrumental motivation.
Understanding Integrative Motivation
Integrative motivation, in contrast, stems from a genuine interest in the culture, community, or people who speak the language. Learners are motivated by a desire to:
- Connect with the native speakers on a deeper level.
- Become a part of the society or culture.
- Understand the cultural nuances and literature.
- Form friendships or relationships with people from that culture.
While someone learning a language for a job abroad might eventually develop integrative motivation as they immerse themselves in the new environment, the initial and primary reason stated in the question relates directly to the practical benefits of employment.
Conclusion on Motivation Type
The question highlights individuals going abroad for jobs and learning the language consequently. This scenario clearly points towards using the language as a tool for achieving a specific, practical outcome – namely, succeeding in their employment overseas. Therefore, this motivation is best described as instrumental motivation.
| Motivation Type | Primary Driver | Example Related to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Instrumental | Achieving a specific, practical goal (e.g., job, exam) | Learning the language to get and keep a job abroad. |
| Integrative | Desire to connect with the culture/community | Learning the language to make friends with locals or understand their way of life. |
Important Questions from Motivation and Emotion for Learning - Teaching
- While talking about her poor marks in mathematics Avi says “I just don't have the sense for numbers" Avi is attributing his performance to :
- Assertion (A): Teachers should provide emotional support to children in the classrooms to ensure effective learning.
Reason (R) : Emotions and cognition are related to each other in complex ways.
Choose the correct option. - Which of the following is an example of a performance goal orientation ?
Assertion (A) : Creating an environment of fear and stress keeps students 'on their' toes and facilitates meaningful learning.
Reason (R) : Learning is governed only by extrinsic factors.
Choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): 12-year Amana gets scared every time the teacher asks her to answer or solve the maths problem on the blackboard because she fears that the teacher will scold her and she would be embarrassed.
Reason (R) : When students feel unsafe and anxious their learning is adversely affected.
Choose the correct option.
