Date of Award
Spring 2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Languages and Cultures
First Advisor
Wei Hong
Committee Chair
Wei Hong
Committee Member 1
Mariko M Wei
Committee Member 2
Alejandro Cuza
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to propose a new theoretical framework for researching variables of motivation for language learning. It will contribute to the discussion on the motivation of Chinese heritage learners by using a new model: the bioecological model. The elements of the bioecological model are process, person, context and time. The bioecological model draws on three schools of motivation for language learning: the psychological process, contextual factors, and dynamic interactions. This study will answer two questions: Are personal attributes, proximal interactions and contextual factors predictors of heritage language learners’ motivation? Among these factors, do proximal interactions mediate the predictive power of personal attributes and contextual factors? The study used online questionnaires for data collection. Twenty-three questionnaires were completed and subjected to data analysis. The results support the hypothesis that personal and contextual factors’ effect on motivation for heritage language learning could be mediated by proximal interactions.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Nan, "Motivation of Chinese heritage language learners: From a bioecological perspective" (2015). Open Access Theses. 637.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_theses/637