Examination of the effects of integrative motivation and anxiety on computerized second-language vocabulary acquisition found that subjects higher in integrative motivation showed superior vocabulary acquisition and tended to initiate translation more quickly than did those with lower integrative motivation, whereas anxiety did not appear to…

Motivational variables associated with second language acquisition are discussed. (Author/PMP)

Three recent articles by Dornyei, Crookes and Schmidt, and Oxford and Sherin on the role of motivation in the learning of a second or foreign language are discussed. Similarities among them that support Gardner's theoretical model are described. (45 references) (LB)

The socioeducational model of second language acquisition postulates that language learning is a dynamic process in which affective variables influence language achievement and achievement and experiences in language learning can influence some affective variables. Five classes of variable are emphasized: integrativeness, attitudes toward the…

Assesses the linguistic nature of home community, recollections of early experiences in second language learning, and attitudes and beliefs about language learning and bilingualism in English-speaking Canadian college students who study French. Surveys provide support for a causal model which indicates that sociocultural experiences influence…

Investigates numerous individual difference measures to determine their underlying dimensions, to contrast their predictive validities and to evaluate their contributions in a causal model of second language acquisition. Findings indicate that substantial links exist among affective measures and achievement. (56 references) (Author/CK)

Factor analysis of 23 scales assessing language and other forms of anxiety identified three separate factors of social evaluation, state, and language anxiety and found some correlations between scores based on those factors and measures of memory and vocabulary production in both native and second language. (46 references) (Author/CB)

This article reports on an experimental French course and the extent to which it influenced student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

This article deals with the role of attitudes in second language acquisition suggested by a social psychological interpretation of the processes involved, and examines several extracurricular programs designed to improve student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

After a brief review of the research concerned with the relationship between students' attitudes and second-language learning the present paper attempts to answer the question, "Do attitudes, in and of themselves, relate directly to second-language acquisition, or do they play an indirect role in providing a basis for the motivation to acquire a…

This paper discusses the roles of the student, teacher, and language researcher in understanding motivation to learn another language. It highlights the socioeducational model of second language acquisition. Although this model considers motivation to learn another language from the student's point of view, other contributors include the teacher,…

The association between an attitudinal/motivational factor and the acquisition of French oral proficiency is discussed. Eighty-nine Canadian students were satisfied with the intensive French language program while the 65 Americans were not. The sociocultural background of the student plays a major role in the development of attitudes. (PMJ)

A study was conducted to examine the changes in students' attitudes, motivation and French achievement during a five-week, residential, summer program. Sixty-two students were administered a battery of attitude and motivation tests as well as a test of oral French proficiency prior to, and upon completion of, the course. (CFM)

The purpose of this study was to examine some correlates and consequences of a four-day trip to a French-speaking community by 153 grade eight English Canadian students. The major findings are that: (1) Parents of the participants in the excursion differ from those of the 183 non-participants not in terms of socioeconomic status or educational…

Discusses some of the major developments, issues, and problems in studying the relationship between attitudes and motivation and second-language acquisition and proficiency. (29 references) (GLR)