Exploring Motivation in L2 Arabic From Students’ Perspective

Abstract

In the field of second language acquisition (SLA), motivation has long been considered a key factor in determining learners’ achievement in learning a second language (L2). In this sense, high motivation can help students succeed in their L2 learning and perform well in classroom activities. Being of such importance, this paper aims to investigate why students choose to learn Arabic as a second/foreign language and how it affects their learning experience. It mainly explores the living experiences of Arabic learners in the context of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with six Arabic learners studying at a university program in Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that the learners had a positive attitude towards the Arabic language due to a set of internal and external factors. The paper concludes with several recommendations that would enhance the learning experience of students learning the Arabic language.