This article uses an Islamic lens to explore the question, "What are the identities, aspirations, and motivations for Pakistani and Muslim women learning English?" As Muslim women, the research participants had a strong allegiance to motherhood, with children being a motivating factor in learning English. This study explores how…

Although language learners' knowledge of second language (L2) speech acts is postulated to be substantially influenced by learner variables, there is little empirical evidence of the influence of pragmatic motivation (PM) and willingness to communicate (WTC). To address this gap, this study sought to investigate the impact of PM and WTC as two…

Most research on the predictors of successful reading comprehension in a second language (L2) has been focused on cognitive factors. Very few studies exist on how motivational factors impact L2 reading comprehension. In this study, 179 Chinese college students read passages in English (their L2) and answered either literal, relatively superficial…

Unsupported claims have been made for the use of games in education and the gamification (game-like aspects, such as scores and point goals) of various learning elements. This brief article examines what may be the motivational basis of gaming and how it can affect students' behavior and ultimate success.

Over the past several decades, applied linguistics and second language (L2) acquisition and teaching have been areas of prolific research and have undergone continual development. The purpose of this article is to identify essential themes in the field of applied linguistics, focusing more intensely on teaching and learning second languages in a…

This article explores the impact of the teacher on student identities within the English language classroom. Based on an empirical study, the article posits that the teacher can play a significant role in the negotiation, co-construction, and legitimisation of student identities in the language class in a number of ways: by focusing on students as…