Motivation And Its Role In Second Language Learning (Looking For A GAP

Motivation And Its Role In Second Language Learning (Looking For A GAP Motivation And Its Role In Second Language Learning (Looking For A GAP Statement) â€" Essay Example > 1.0 IntroductionMotivation is considered as the driving force towards accomplishing and realizing the set objectives and targets for any learner. A number of studies have been conducted concerning the key issues behind the learning of the second languages. Among these issues, motivation stands out to be the most fundamental and influential factor in stimulating understanding of the second languages among the learners. This has been “a major subject of research by many scholars who have come up with various ways and strategies that can be applied in order to motivate and cultivate an interest in the learners of a particular language” (Wan-er, 2008, p. 7). Having already learned one language, it becomes a little difficult for an individual to fully master a second language, especially where the new language conflicts with the language that is familiar with the learner in terms of accent and pronunciation (Wan-er, 2008, p. 10). Therefore, it is an obligation to those teaching sec ond language learners to look for and employ strategies that will make their students gain an in depth understanding of the language they are studying. Research shows that infants struggle less in learning the first language which unites and connects them to their immediate environment. However, learning the second language has become a major challenge to most of the learners due to the influence of their first language that might highly conflict with the second language (Wan-er, 2008). Despite the various proposals and theories forwarded by a number of scholars, it is has been shown that motivation as one of the factors that plays a major role in ensuring a successful understanding of the second language. Both the students and tutors have a major role to play in ensuring their success (Wan-er, 2008). 1.1 Importance of This Paper to Second Language Teaching and LearningThis paper approaches the topic of second language learning from a perspective that motivation is key to the lear ning of the second language. Since this area has been neglected by many researchers, I opted to settle for the option of giving an in-detail analysis of the topic by looking at the various factors related to motivation and the role played by each factor in ensuring better understanding of the subject matter (Run-mei, 2007). First, this paper highlights the various areas that have so far been neglected by a number of scholars in their researches. The identified gap can then be used for future research. For instance, most of the scholarly works on motivation are general and do not narrow down to analyze the various aspects of motivation (Run-mei, 2007). Motivational factors and types are broad and each factor needs a comprehensive analysis so as to bring out the picture depicting the strong relationship existing between motivation and second language learning as opposed to whatever has been provided so far. This will then facilitate faster and easier learning among the students, esp ecially those experiencing difficulties grasping their second languages. Farther research as well as the discussed information here will help second language tutors to help their students to learn their second languages even better and faster (Run-mei, 2007).