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Comparing Different L3s and Factors That Affect Motivation to Learn LOTEs

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Title: Comparing Different L3s and Factors That Affect Motivation to Learn LOTEs
Language: English
Authors: Hsuan-Yau Lai (ORCID 0000-0002-5075-4172)
Source: Language Teaching Research. 2026 30(4):1839-1859.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Multilingualism, Learning Motivation, Aspiration, Second Languages, Higher Education, English (Second Language), Majors (Students), Languages, Language Fluency, Social Influences, Occupational Aspiration, Individual Development
Geographic Terms: Taiwan
DOI: 10.1177/13621688231169815
ISSN: 1362-1688
1477-0954
Abstract: In the field of L2 (second language) learning motivation, most studies have focused on English since it is one of the most important international languages in the world, while few have explored students' motivation to learn languages other than English (LOTEs) or an L3. The literature on L2 motivation raises the issue of the need to compare the similarities and differences between learning a second language (L2) and a second foreign languages (or L3). English departments at Taiwanese universities require students to begin studying an L3 in their second or third years of study. However, the motivations for these students to learn L3s remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap in the literature. A standardized questionnaire was completed by 150 students in technological universities in Taiwan. The findings reveal five new factors that motivate students to learn L3s: self-accomplishment and expanding horizons, visions of being fluent in the L3, career orientation, interpersonal and social influences, and personal development, which are different from our perceived concept of traditional L2 motivation theories. Besides factors that might also apply to L2 learners' motivation, the study also highlights issues of insufficient course sessions and unsystematic curriculum mapping as having negative effects on their motivation. The findings can be used as a reference to improve curricula.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502809
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Comparing Different L3s and Factors That Affect Motivation to Learn LOTEs
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hsuan-Yau+Lai%22">Hsuan-Yau Lai</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5075-4172">0000-0002-5075-4172</externalLink>)
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: 21
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Multilingualism%22">Multilingualism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Motivation%22">Learning Motivation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Aspiration%22">Aspiration</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Languages%22">Second Languages</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22English+%28Second+Language%29%22">English (Second Language)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Majors+%28Students%29%22">Majors (Students)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Languages%22">Languages</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+Fluency%22">Language Fluency</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Influences%22">Social Influences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Occupational+Aspiration%22">Occupational Aspiration</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individual+Development%22">Individual Development</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Taiwan%22">Taiwan</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1177/13621688231169815
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  Data: 1362-1688<br />1477-0954
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: In the field of L2 (second language) learning motivation, most studies have focused on English since it is one of the most important international languages in the world, while few have explored students' motivation to learn languages other than English (LOTEs) or an L3. The literature on L2 motivation raises the issue of the need to compare the similarities and differences between learning a second language (L2) and a second foreign languages (or L3). English departments at Taiwanese universities require students to begin studying an L3 in their second or third years of study. However, the motivations for these students to learn L3s remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap in the literature. A standardized questionnaire was completed by 150 students in technological universities in Taiwan. The findings reveal five new factors that motivate students to learn L3s: self-accomplishment and expanding horizons, visions of being fluent in the L3, career orientation, interpersonal and social influences, and personal development, which are different from our perceived concept of traditional L2 motivation theories. Besides factors that might also apply to L2 learners' motivation, the study also highlights issues of insufficient course sessions and unsystematic curriculum mapping as having negative effects on their motivation. The findings can be used as a reference to improve curricula.
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        Value: 10.1177/13621688231169815
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 21
        StartPage: 1839
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Multilingualism
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Motivation
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      – SubjectFull: Aspiration
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      – SubjectFull: Second Languages
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      – SubjectFull: Language Fluency
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      – SubjectFull: Individual Development
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      – SubjectFull: Taiwan
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      – TitleFull: Comparing Different L3s and Factors That Affect Motivation to Learn LOTEs
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