A Study on Factors Affecting Students’ English Language Learning Motivation in a Multilingual Context at a Private University in East Timor

Abstract

This study examines the factors affecting students’ English language learning motivation in a multilingual context at Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) in East Timor. In this study, multilingual context (MLC) refers to linguistic diversity which shows the representation of individual abilities in speaking more than two languages. The objectives were to identify the motivating factors that affect students’ English language learning motivation; to determine students’ motivation to learn English in the classroom to communicate with speakers of other languages; and to find how English teachers go about motivating their students. This study used Convergent parallel Mixed Methods Design where both quantitative and qualitative data have equal priority (QUAN and QUAL) . Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data using questionnaire, semi-structured interview, and focus group interview as instruments. Descriptive Statistics Analysis was used to identify the motivating factors that affect students’ English language learning, and Content Analysis was applied to analyze the data qualitatively. 

The results of Research Objective One revealed that students’ integrativeness, attitudes toward the learning situation, and motivation in learning English is high. Moreover, they were scored very high in their instrumental motivation. The findings of Research Objective Two and Three indicated that students want to come to learn English because of the desire to communicate with other speakers of English, developing their English language skills, use English for traveling abroad, and prospects.