Going astray second language learning process

Does motivation play an important role in Second Language Acquisition, SLA? Does its role share the same spot as input/output on SLA’s crowded list of priorities? Does it have to underlie a teacher’s choice of approach when building a course syllabus? Is it present when a learner is in a naturalistic learning environment? Are the integrative and instrumental motivations the only two types? I do not know the answers, but, I strongly believe that motivation is an important fuel for learners on their journey to learning a second language.  All I know is that I am constantly trying to find the most interesting approach to bring to my classrooms, and when faced with the suffering expression of some students, who would prefer anything other than be in class, I am inspired to dwell a little longer on the question of “what would motivate student X or Y a little more?”

Types of motivation: integrative and instrumental.

Traditionally motivation is thought as “(...) if a language learning experience is enjoyable, thought of as worthwhile, and preferable to other comparable learning experiences, then it is reasonable to assume that it may lead to better learning and encourage more time spent in such learning (...)” (http://pers-www.wlv.ac.uk/~le1969/2.htm).  In this sense Gardner and Lambert (1959, 1972) conceptualized two types motivation, "integrative" and "instrumental".  The former arises due to "... a sincere and personal interest in the people and culture represented by the other language group" (1972, p.98). On the other hand the latter, involves "... the practical value and advantages of learning a new language (ibid.:98)", thus for motives of personal advancement such as a better job, university entrance or further qualifications.

Following, there is a list of the main reasons students give for studying a modern language (Coleman, 1996):

1-For my future career- Thought of as worthwhile or instrumental.

2- Because I like the language- Enjoyable or integrative.

3- To travel in different countries- Thought of as worthwhile or instrumental.

4- To have a better understanding of the way of life in the country or countries where it is spoken- Enjoyable or integrative.

5- Because I would like to live in the country where it is spoken- Thought of as worthwhile or instrumental.

6- Because I am good at it- Preferable to other comparable learning experience or integrative.

7- Because it is an international language- Thought of as worthwhile or instrumental.

8- To become a better-educated person- Thought of as worthwhile or instrumental.

9- To meet a greater variety of people in my life- Enjoyable or integrative.

10 To get to know/make friends among the people who speak it- Enjoyable or integrative.