The Ideal L2 Self,Ought-to L2 Self And L2 Achievement Of Chinese L2 Learners

It is acknowledged that motivation plays a vital role in L2 learning.Since Gardner proposed the concept of integrativeness,it has drawn continuous attention in the field of L2 research and dominated L2 motivation research for almost three decades.In the context of World English,however,integrativeness was found no longer applicable in many L2 learning contexts.Aimed at reconceptualising integrativeness,D?rnyei put forward a new theoretical model in 2005,which is the L2 Motivational Self System(L2MSS).On the basis of possible selves theory and self-discrepancy theory in psychology,the L2 MSS consists of the Ideal L2 Self(IL2S),Ought-to L2 Self(OL2S),and L2 Learning Experience(L2LE),it has provided a new theoretical basis for future L2 motivation research.Considering the growing importance of English achievement in Chinese society,this thesis attempts to investigate L2 learners' overall situation of L2 selves and its relationship with L2 achievement under the theoretical framework of L2 MSS.First year freshmen(N=355)majored in clinical medicine and environment engineering in Huazhong University of Science and Technology participated in a questionnaire survey.A new L2 motivational questionnaire designed by Chinese scholars was employed to collect data reflecting participants' L2 selves and intended learning efforts.CET4 results are adopted as the measurement of the L2 achievement.The primary research questions to be addressed are:(1)what is the overall situation of Chinese L2 learners' ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self;(2)can the two selves and intended learning efforts predict learners' L2 achievement?Descriptive statistics,independent sample T-test,correlation and multiple regression analysis were conducted by SPSS 22.0.The major findings revealed that:(1)learners' ideal L2 self is higher than ought-to L2 self;(2)high-CET4 achievers were found to have a stronger ideal L2 self and a higher level of intended learning efforts than low-achievers;(3)the ideal L2 self was significantly related to L2 achievement and it can predict L2 achievement;while no relation was observed between ought-to L2 self and L2 achievement.Based on the findings,theoretical,methodological and pedagogical implications are summarized as a reference for future L2 motivational research and L2 teaching.Limitations of the study are explained and the practical suggestions are provided at the end of the thesis.