Young Language Learners' Motivation and Attitudes

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Young Language Learners' Motivation and Attitudes

Longitudinal, comparative and explanatory perspectives

Language acquisition Primary and middle schools Teaching of a specific subject Educational: First / native language Educational: Modern (non-native or second) languages

Author: Sybille Heinzmann

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Language: English

Published by: Bloomsbury Academic

Published on: 20th June 2013

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 288 pages

ISBN: 9781441157836


Taking three different perspectives

This book looks at primary school children''s language learning motivation and language attitudes. In adopting a longitudinal perspective, the book fills a research gap and provides a macro-level analysis of motivational development over time. It reveals a surprising amount of stability in primary school children''s motivational and attitudinal development.

The comparative perspective

Looks at the learners'' affective dispositions with regard to English (theorized as a global language) and French (theorized as a national language). The comparisons between global language and national language are relevant across the world, especially in situations where instruction in languages other than English struggles to get attention. The results reveal sizeable differences between the two languages, with children being substantially more motivated to learn English than to learn French.

Finally, the explanatory section

Identifies key antecedents of the learners'' motivational and attitudinal dispositions - and thereby opens up paths for intervention relevant for those working in the field of language instruction.

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