A Review of Literature on the Effect of Motivation on Learners' Impact on L2 Acquisition

Abstract

The study of motivation has consistently been a focal point and primary focus within the realm of educational psychology research. It stands as the cornerstone of understanding the psychological mechanisms driving students' learning processes. However, the existing motivation theories, while intricate, are often limited in their scope. There is an imperative need for an overarching theory capable of comprehensively explaining the current state of affairs. From the initial conceptualization of motivation to the subsequent formulation of fundamental principles and the evolution of various motivational theories, the depth of research on motivation has continuously expanded. Within this research, it has been observed that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation exert a profound influence on second language acquisition. Recognizing the pivotal role of motivation in language learning is crucial, as it equips educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers with effective strategies to enhance learners' motivation and optimize their language learning experiences. In this paper, the authors aim to review existing motivation theories with the aspiration of contributing to the future advancement of motivation research.