A Study of the Language Learning Motivation of Saudi Military Cadets

Using Dörnyei’s (2009) L2 Motivational Self System as the main theoretical framework, this paper reports a study of Saudi military cadets’ motivation to learn English. The study aimed to: a) investigate the usefulness of Dörnyei’s model for understanding and explaining English language motivation in this global context; b) capture other motivational factors seen to be relevant to the designated group’s motivation to learn English. A sample of 194 Saudi military cadets participated in the survey. Correlation and regression analysis of the data support the usefulness of the L2 Motivational Self System in assessing participants’ motivation to learn English. Language Learning Attitudes was found to be the best predictor of self-reported learning effort. In addition, Instrumentality Promotion and Instrumentality Prevention proved to be strong predictors of self-reported learning effort. Finally, the study hypothesised that a new construct ‘Religious Interest’ impacted on participants’ motivation to learn English, and regression analysis showed this was also a strong predictor of self-reported learning effort.