Social and Cultural Aspect in Foreign Language Motivation defined by Integrative and Instrumental Factors

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the social and cultural aspect in foreign language learning motivation, with main focus English language, as a compulsory course in the official education curricula in Albania, from primary level to Master`s Study Programs. The indicators in this study are the integrative and instrumental variables.  Based on the literature review and empirical research data, two research questions are presented in this paper: 1. At what extent are students motivated to learn English language in terms of integrative and instrumental orientation? 2. Which factor is the best predictor to motivation in English language learning? A quantitative method was approached and data was analyzed through SPSS, 18. Attitude Motivation Test Battery was applied in a sample of 1800 subjects.  The reliability Alfa Chronbach coefficient of the Test was (=.88). The findings showed that best predictor variable to motivation in language learning is the integrative factor, at values ß=0.476, t=21.110. Students motivation is also positively varied from the instrumental language orientation, (ß = .302, t=16.919. This result is statistically significant, p<0.001. The study also found that students are moderately motivated to learn the language because of integrative reasons, mean value (M=5) out of a Likert scale (1- 6), SD=0.86; the students are only slightly motivated in terms of language Instrumental orientation, mean value (M=4.2) out of (6), SD= 0.1.

 

Keywords: integrative language orientation, instrumental language orientation, motivation to learn English