Factors Affecting the Motivation of Learners Studying English for Specific Purposes

Abstract

Learner motivation is a key factor that influences the success and enjoyment of learning a second or foreign language. Learner motivation can influence how learners approach, engage, and persist in learning English, as well as how they use and develop their linguistic and communicative skills. This chapter aims to investigate the learning motivation of learners studying English for specific purposes (ESP) such as business English, and English for information technology at some universities in Ho Chi Minh city. The research has been conducted in two phases and employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires and interviews are applied. The obtained data is, then, analyzed using factor analysis, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis. The results show that learner motivation can be influenced by internal factors, such as interest and identity and external factors, such as teaching methods, learning materials and parents' encouragement. This chapter, therefore, will give some recommendations for enhancing learner diversity related to learner motivation.