Motivation in Language Learning

The Guardian newspaper’s Education section on “The Case for Language Learning” shows a number of interesting recent entries.

Geoffrey Bowden regrets the declining interest in the UK in foreign language learning, asserting that “If There Aren't Enough Linguists, We'll Need Immigrants”; he sees the disappointingly low numbers of foreign language learners reported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England as a serious threat – “It is difficult to measure the financial cost of poor language skills to the UK economy.” Bowden suggests that government incentives should be provided. On the other hand, John Mackey, in “Wanting It Enough”, discusses the importance of motivation, “the secret to success”, in language learning. He emphasizes the role of learning in context, as in traveling to relevant countries and interacting with people. He says that most people who succeed at second language learning are highly motivated to learn, whether “intrinsically” or “extrinsically”, as language researchers put it. Intrinsic motivation stems from factors such as the need to make personal connections, while extrinsic stimuli could include wanting to pass a language test. Mackey warns, however, that motivation is not enough: research shows that, for success in language learning, aptitude and access to proper instruction must accompany motivation. He cites Steven Pinker on the neurophysiology of language in the brain, concluding that “The idea of people being hard wired for second language learning is fascinating and, perhaps, appealing in that it might be used to get some of us off the hook if our language learning journey is less than successful.”

The Guardian advertises that today, July 10, there is a live debate in London on whether medicinal drugs should be used to enhance language learning. Apparently, scientists have noticed that mood disorder drugs can improve language learning. The controversy revolves around various implications - ethical, practical, social and medical - and whether the advantages exceed the risks (“Are Drugs the Answer to Learning Languages?”). One is definitely motivated to read more on the subject, whether in the Guardian or elsewhere.