Relationship Between Study Motivation And Self Identity Changes Of Nigerian Chinese Language Learners

Research has proven that motivation plays an integral role in second language acquisition and that learning a second language doesn’t only bring about linguistic changes,but also nonlinguistic changes such as self-confidence change,split change,productive change etc.This study explores the motivation types of Nigerian Chinese language learners,the types of self-identity changes that occur after learning Chinese as well as the relationship between study motivation and self-identity changes of Nigerian Chinese language learners.The theoretical basis for this research rests primarily on previous literature in the subject of study motivation and self-identity changes,particularly research by Gao Yihong,Gardner,Lambert,Dornyei among other prominent scholars whose contribution to this field has remained of utmost relevance.The research results were obtained through analysis of a survey carried out on 173 Nigerian Chinese language learners of different genders,ages,length of study period and educational background.In this paper,Wenjuanxing and SPSS 20.0 were used for distribution of the questionnaire and analysis respectively.In the first chapter,the author discusses Chinese researches related to learning motivation and self-identity changes.Research content and methods are also explained in this chapter.The second chapter mainly discusses the theoretical basis of this paper.The author makes reference to famous international literature in order to lay a good foundation for this research.A test on the reliability of the questionnaire was carried out in this chapter.The third chapter is the core of this paper.Here,analysis of the survey result is carried out.This research shows that Nigerian Chinese language learners are mainly motivated by social responsibility motivation and intrinsic interest.In the aspect of self-identity changes,the research objects predominantly experienced additive change and self-confidence change.This research also shows that there is a high correlation between study motivation and self-identity changes among Nigerian students.Teaching suggestions and the limitations of this research are discussed in the fourth chapter.