L2 MOTIVATIONAL SELF SYSTEM AND L2 ACHIEVEMENT: A STUDY OF PAKISTANI UNDERGRADUATE ESL LEARNERS IN PRIVATE COLLEGES OF MULTAN.

Abstract

The present research aimed to find the relationship between Dornyei’s (2009) Second language Motivational Self System (L2MSS) and the actual L2 achievement of Pakistani undergraduates taking English as a compulsory subject in Private colleges. A total of 300 participants from two colleges were asked to answer a questionnaire consisting of main variables of L2MSS; Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, and L2 Learning Experience. The quantitative data were collected using SPSS. English proficiency test was also conducted to examine the participants’ L2 achievement. Descriptive and inferential analysis revealed that the targeted learners had a strong Second Language motivation as measured with L2MSS questionnaire; however, the language proficiency test results showed that the learners’ L2MSS could not be a strong predictor of their actual L2 achievement. Furthermore, some pedagogical implications were also presented to improve students’ English language proficiency.