Language Learning Motivation: Differences between the Motivational Profile of Heritage and non-Heritage Language Learners

Abstract

"This study aims to investigate motivation in language learning, with particular attention to the motivational profile of heritage language learners. What is more, this study seeks to explore differences on the motivational profile between heritage and non-heritage language learners, how their ethnic background influences the language choices and motivation in general. The data were collected among students of Ca’ Foscari University in Venice (enrolled in the language science ‘s course) by employing a 55-item questionnaire. The questionnaire created ad hoc on the inspiration of Schmidt and Watanabe (2001) was used as the basis for the present study be taking into consideration only the first part on motivation. As well, the quantitative approach was employed with an overall response rate of 62 respondents. The results of the study demonstrated that the motivational profile of HLLs differs from that of NHLLs in terms of ethnic heritage, that is HLLs were learning a language which was part of their ethnic background. As it pertains to the rest of motivational orientations, HLLs and NHLLs did not differ significantly, apart from expectancy and language aptitude which emerged as distinct motivational orientations. "