The Role of Motivation in Language LearningThe Role of Motivation in Language Learning摘要：动机是推动外语学习的内在力量，是外语学习的重要因素之一。众多外语老师都认为动机是影响学生是否能成功学习语言的重要因素，重要的、合理的语言学习动机可以克服语言学习中的各种不利因素。动机在语言学习中的作用的研究开始于二十世纪六十年代，它是语言学中的一个重要领域。本文提出了激发语言学习者学习语言的策略并集中讨论了动机在语言学习中所起的重大作用。关于动机的概念有各种定义的观点；关于动机如何在学习语言方面发挥作用的建议也有很多，这些建议都是以各种动机的理论为基础的。动机在语言学习中的作用日益重要，诸如明确社会语言，达到长期或短期的目标，提高语言学习者的内在和外在的动力以及应用于团体。还必须指出的是关于这一领域的研究必须被实践所检验，并且在理论和实践上还有很长的路要走。本文通过对语言学习动机理论的探讨，提出激发语言学习者学习语言的 途径和策略，旨在 培养语言学习者的强烈求知欲。关键词：动机；动机理论；语言学习；语言学习者；动机在语言学习中的作用Abstract: Motivation, inner drive to push the study of foreign language learning, it is one of the key factors in the study of foreign language learning. Most language teachers agree that motivation of the students is one of the most important factors influencing their success or failure in language learning, the importance of motivation of study can overcome unfavorable circumstances in other aspects of language learning. The role of motivation in language learning has been studied since in 1960s. It is indeed one of the most important areas of linguistics. This paper suggests strategies of motivating language learners and focuses on the role which motivation can play in language learning. The concept of motivation from different points of view is defined, a number of suggestions on how to motivate language learners are presented and the role of motivation based on various motivational theories are highlighted. With regard to the role of motivation in language learning, it is concluded that motivation plays an increasingly important role in many aspects, such as identifying with the target language society, achieving long-term and short-term goals, improving language learners internal and external powers and exerting a group force. It also indicates that there should be more research areas to be examined and a long way is probably required to do in future theoretical and practical study. This paper, by making a study on motivation theories, presents some ways and strategies to stir up the study motivation of language learners. It aims at cultivating the language learners to have a strong thirst for knowledge.Key words: motivation; motivation theories; language learning; language learners; the role of motivation in language learningContentsAbstract1Key words2I. Introduction.2II. Motivation Theories32.1BehavioristApproach.32.2CognitiveApproach.42.3 Social Constructivist Approach.4III. The Role of Motivation in Language Learning53.1 Gardners Motivation Theory53.1.1 Integrative Motivation.63.1.2 Instrumental Motivation73.1.3 Integrative vs. Instrumental Motivation.73.2 The Role of Motivation in Language Learning.93.2.1 The Role of Goal-directed Motivation.93.2.2 The Role of Self-determination Motivation Theory.93.2.3 The Role of Group Motivation.11IV. The Suggestions and Strategies11V. Conclusion.12References13I. IntroductionIt is true that language plays an important role in the modernization of a country, providing a key to human education and development. As Lord (1985) suggests that language work is “a major indicator of appropriateness of technology.” Learning a foreign language has become essential for the social and economic development of many societies. In other words, language learners need to learn its pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, but also its abundant culture. Some learners can learn foreign language quickly and easily, while others find it difficult to learn. There are many factors influencing language learners success or failure in foreign language learning, such as language learners motivation, intelligence, aptitude and competence.Among the factors, it has been often said that language learners motivation plays a crucial part in language learning (Gardner and Lambert 1969; Harmer 1983). Indeed, many researchers who are interested in this subject area have examined the role of learners motivation in learning a foreign language. Gardner (1985) seems to support this idea and points out that motivation in language learning is particular importance. Similarly, Noels (1990) also believe that understanding more about motivation could improve language learners competence in learning a foreign language.Why do people learn foreign language? The answer to this question is important, according to Rebecca Oxford (1994), “motivation is considered by many researchers to be one of the main determining factors in success in developing foreign language. ” Gardner even claims that motivation of the components of motivation and the influence of motivation on