There are many factors that affect foreign language learning. Today, in this article, I wanted to have a little conversation about learner-based motivation. As you know, although we learn many foreign languages in schools, very few of us make it practical in life. When it comes to motivation; The learner’s intelligence score, curiosity, ability to learn and comprehend, the learning strategy used, the development of the intelligence type associated with language learning, the meaning, attitude and desire attributed to language learning are among the parameters. A person who believes that the language will bring a positive return to his life and builds his career on this will also increase the desire to learn that language. Continuing motivation is an integral part of the learning process. It is expected that a motivated person will be interested in learning, make an effort and focus in this direction. It cannot be said that the intelligence score alone affects motivation. For example, a person with a higher interest and desire but a lower intelligence score will be more successful than someone who is not sufficiently motivated but has a higher intelligence score. It has been seen that people with high self-confidence can also give healthy results in language learning. They will show enough determination, desire and persistence. Anxiety level negatively affects learning motivation. Thinking that language learning is difficult, negative stereotypes will increase anxiety and decrease motivation. It is important that they have the opportunity to express themselves by eliminating their anxiety when they say it wrong or use the wrong grammar.
We talk about two types of motivation. A person with intrinsic motivation acts in line with his own interests and needs, in order to meet them. In extrinsic motivation, the locus of control of the person is outside of himself. That is, the desire to get reward or to avoid punishment drives him. The motivation for a foreign language learner is external, in order to get a better grade in the exam or to work in a job that pays more. A person with intrinsic motivation takes action to realize himself only because he wants to, and intrinsic motivation is much more valuable than extrinsic motivation. Someone with intrinsic motivation can keep their enthusiasm for learning alive longer. As it is understood from here, it is important that the person in the position of teacher not only tells the foreign language, but also activates the internal motivation resources of the person. It is important for the person to believe that he is doing something that will benefit himself. The teacher must ignite the learner’s desire to integrate with different cultures. The person who believes that he will find something to pique his curiosity will want to learn the language with greater devotion.
As a result, if we consider that the borders in the world are being removed rapidly and the languages of communication are concentrated in certain languages, learning a language as a means of experiencing a culture loses its importance. People now use the language to do their daily work. In this rapidly changing world, there is always a new language to learn and unknowns to discover for those who strive to create breathing spaces and invest in their own development.