Students’ Integrative and Instrumental Motivation for Learning English as a Second Language

Abstract

Objective: This research investigates the influence of integrative and instrumental motivations on English Language Learning (ELL) among students in private educational institutions within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It aims to discern which type of motivation—integrative or instrumental—exerts a greater impact on second language acquisition.   Method: A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a 44-item questionnaire adapted from the Motivation Test Battery. The study sample consisted of 101 English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and correlation coefficients were used to analyse the data, providing insights into the relationships between motivational types and language acquisition success.   Results and Discussion: The study revealed a positive correlation between both integrative and instrumental motivations and ELL. Notably, integrative motivation had a more substantial influence on the ESL outcomes compared to instrumental motivation. These results underline the complexity of motivational impacts on language learning, with integrative motivation playing a pivotal role.   Research Implications: The findings suggest that educational strategies that enhance integrative motivation could be more effective in promoting successful language learning. This could involve fostering a deeper connection with the language community and culture, thereby enriching the educational experience and outcomes for ESL learners.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by focusing on the comparative impacts of integrative and instrumental motivations in the context of the UAE—a region where such studies are seldom conducted. The insights regarding the predominant influence of integrative motivation add a valuable dimension to the global discourse on second language acquisition, especially in multilingual and multicultural learning environments.