The Dynamic Interaction of Second Language Motivation and Emotional Experience: The Case of Chinese Learners of English

This study investigated the dynamic interaction of second language motivation and emotional experience for Chinese learners of English in four different contexts: (1) those in China with little or no intention of learning the language for communicative purposes; (2) those in China intending to study abroad; (3) those studying abroad in North America; and (4) those who had returned to China after studying abroad. Data included interviews with representatives from the different contexts. Analysis focused on Vygotsky’s concept of perezhivanie, or how Chinese learners of English experienced their learning environments cognitively and affectively as leading to goals and goal-directed activity across their English learning experiences. Differences among learners both across groups and within the same group were found for how motivation shapes experience and how experience shapes motivation in the process of second and foreign language learning.