Ciência-IUL
Publications
Publication Detailed Description
How Language Variety and Motivation Impact Language Acquisition in Adult Heritage Learners of Portuguese
Journal Title
European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching
Year (definitive publication)
2018
Language
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Country
Romania
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Abstract
Portuguese is a language rich in varieties. Some adult heritage learners of Portuguese acquire it quickly and easily, while others students display negative attitudes towards the instructor’s dialect and withdraw from classes altogether, despite both groups receiving the same linguistic input. The dearth of research on this topic begged the research question, How does linguistic variety affect motivation in adult heritage learners of Portuguese? This study used semistructured interviews with 20 adult heritage learners to provide insight into the question, and aspects of adult learning, the L2 motivational self-system, and L2 acquisition theory as theoretical frameworks. Overlapping themes of identity, ideal selves, and language attitudes related to motivation towards Portuguese varieties, as well as their profound influence on a heritage learner’s motivation and acquisition success, emerged. These results suggest placing greater importance on consideration of linguistic variety in the classroom when assessing adult heritage learners.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
heritage learners,L2 motivational self-system,motivation,acquisition theory,Portuguese
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Educational Sciences - Social Sciences