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Understanding Language Learning Motivation from a Dual Analytical Lens: Combining Activity Theory and Life Capital

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Title: Understanding Language Learning Motivation from a Dual Analytical Lens: Combining Activity Theory and Life Capital
Language: English
Authors: Azar Tajabadi, Sal Consoli (ORCID 0000-0002-7770-0510)
Source: TESOL Quarterly: A Journal for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and of Standard English as a Second Dialect. 2025 59(2):1008-1023.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Learning Motivation, Learning Theories, Language Research, Educational Research, English (Second Language), Social Capital, Learning Trajectories
DOI: 10.1002/tesq.3367
ISSN: 0039-8322
1545-7249
Abstract: Second language (L2) motivation has long been regarded as one of the requisites for and predictors of success in L2 learning. The scholarship on L2 motivation has grown steadily over the past 60 years, yielding several theories through a range of methods. Building upon this tradition, this paper proposes a methodological contribution to the thriving L2 motivation research arena. Specifically, we suggest a new analytical approach which combines Activity Theory with the methodological lens of 'life capital'. We illustrate this approach through an L2 learner's narrative, taken from a larger study, with a focus on their experience of learning English over thirteen years. We argue that adopting life capital as an additional analytical layer alongside Activity Theory not only allows us to tackle methodological challenges previously associated with Activity Theory, but also offers a more nuanced understanding of motivational trajectories in L2 learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1471665
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Understanding Language Learning Motivation from a Dual Analytical Lens: Combining Activity Theory and Life Capital
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Azar+Tajabadi%22">Azar Tajabadi</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sal+Consoli%22">Sal Consoli</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7770-0510">0000-0002-7770-0510</externalLink>)
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: 16
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Learning%22">Second Language Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Motivation%22">Learning Motivation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Theories%22">Learning Theories</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+Research%22">Language Research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Research%22">Educational Research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22English+%28Second+Language%29%22">English (Second Language)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Capital%22">Social Capital</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Trajectories%22">Learning Trajectories</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1002/tesq.3367
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  Data: 0039-8322<br />1545-7249
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  Data: Second language (L2) motivation has long been regarded as one of the requisites for and predictors of success in L2 learning. The scholarship on L2 motivation has grown steadily over the past 60 years, yielding several theories through a range of methods. Building upon this tradition, this paper proposes a methodological contribution to the thriving L2 motivation research arena. Specifically, we suggest a new analytical approach which combines Activity Theory with the methodological lens of 'life capital'. We illustrate this approach through an L2 learner's narrative, taken from a larger study, with a focus on their experience of learning English over thirteen years. We argue that adopting life capital as an additional analytical layer alongside Activity Theory not only allows us to tackle methodological challenges previously associated with Activity Theory, but also offers a more nuanced understanding of motivational trajectories in L2 learning.
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  Data: 2025
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    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Second Language Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learning Motivation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learning Theories
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      – SubjectFull: Language Research
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      – SubjectFull: Social Capital
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Trajectories
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