Some Extrinsic Motivational Factors for Learning Critical Foreign Languages

Abstract

In this article we discuss some extrinsic factors that impact students' motivation to learn foreign languages. These factors, attitude, goals and efforts were studies and analyzed by many researchers. Taha [8], Huang [6], Csizer and Dornyei [2], noted that attitudes toward the language community, native speakers and the language itself are important factors in the learning process. These factors enable creation of a positive attitude and tolerance and understanding of cultural, religious, and societal differences. Hidi and Harackiewicz [5] and Schunk [5] discussed the influence of mastery and performance goals on academic motivation. They emphasized that only attractive and realistic goals can motivate people to act. Csizer and Dornyei [2], Schunk [5] considered effort as one of criterion measures to examine motivational factors that determine direction and magnitude of motivated human behavior.