Language Learning Motivation in Japan

This book synthesises current theory and research on L2 motivation in the EFL Japanese context carried out by internationally recognized researchers and upcoming researcher-educators working in various educational contexts in Japan. Topics covered include the issues of cultural identity, demotivation, language communities, positive psychology, possible L2 selves and internationalisation within a key EFL context. The studies in the book utilise a wide variety of research methodologies aiming to narrow the gap between theory and practice and examine L2 motivation in primary, secondary and tertiary education. This volume will be of interest to research/teacher professionals who are currently engaged in active ESL/EFL practice, EFL educators, researchers, and teacher-trainers both inside and outside Japan, who are interested in research on L2 motivation in general and within the Japanese context in particular, as well as graduate and postgraduate researchers.

Matthew T. Apple is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. His research interests include individual differences in SLA, intercultural communication and educational statistics. Together with Dexter Da Silva and Terry Fellner, he is co-editor of Language Learning Motivation in Japan (2013, Multilingual Matters).

Dexter Da Silva is Professor in the Department of Psychology and Horticulture at Keisen University, Japan. His research interests include student motivation, identity development and trust and classroom dynamics.

Terry Fellner is Associate Professor in the Center for General Education at Saga University, Japan. His research interests include vocabulary acquisition, outdoor language learning and L2 reading.