Motivation and Possible Selves: An Interview Study of Taiwanese EFL Learners

Abstract

This article is based on an interview study which the author conducted to conceptualize Taiwanese EFL learners’ L2 motivation through using the possible selves framework. Based on this interview study, the recently developed L2 Motivational Self System exerts its explanatory power in the Taiwanese EFL context; the ideal L2 self and the ought-to L2 self are helpful in informing the analysis of student motivation. The ideal L2 self illustrated with empirical evidence corresponds to its theoretical construct proposed by Dornyei (2005). Interestingly, however, the ought-to L2 self found amongst the student interviewees seems inconsistent with the original theoretical concept as it probably contains a mixture of prevention- and promotion-focused instrumentality in studying English. The shaping of the Taiwanese ought-to L2 self by the broader social context will be discussed in this article.