Language Acquisition and the Multilingual Ideal

Exploring Japanese Language Learning Motivation

Toshiyuki Nakamura

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781350244481
• eBook ISBN: 9781350088177
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Languages
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

Examining the motivational development of Japanese language learners, this book investigates the relationship between their future self-image as Japanese speakers and their broader self-image as multilingual individuals. The book compares two groups of Japanese language learners, one from Australia and the other from South Korea. Questioning how motivation is influenced both by native languages and by the other languages which learners speak or study, Toshiyuki Nakamura uses dynamic systems theory (DST) to uncover how knowledge of English in these different contexts motivates the learning of Japanese. Employing the concept of 'domain of possible selves' as an analytical framework, the book also provides a detailed description of the development of the learners' visions of themselves as users of Japanese and uncovers various aspects of Japanese language learners' L2 self.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title Page
• Also available from Bloomsbury
• Title Page
• Contents
• Figures
• Tables
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Understanding language learning motivation ‘multilingually’
• 3 ‘Japanese is easy but difficult to continue.’ Motivation and future self-images of Korean learners
• 4 ‘Japanese is difficult, but I don’t want to stop.’ Motivation and future self-images of Australian learners
• 5 ‘I think that English is the first, and the next is Japanese.’ Motivational trajectories of Korean learners
• 6 ‘I really, really want to do Japanese translating.’ Motivational trajectories of Australian learners
• 7 Language learning motivation in English-speaking and non-English-speaking contexts
• Appendix 1(a) First round interview questions (Australian version)
• Appendix 1(b) First round interview questions (Korean version)
• Appendix 2(a) Second round interview questions (Australian version)
• Appendix 2(b) Second round interview questions (Korean version)
• References
• Index
• Copyright Page