Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Integrative Orientations of French Canadian Learners of English

Abstract

The present study had two purposes: (a) to replicate previous research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for language learning in French Canadian students of English, and (b) to consider the relations between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the integrative orientation. Québécois university students (N = 59) in a summer English immersion course completed a questionnaire addressing their reasons for language learning, perceptions of autonomy and competence, effort expended in language learning, determination to pursue English studies, and course achievement. The results of correlational analyses supported the predicted relations between theoretical antecedents and consequences of intrinsic and extrinsic orientations. The integrative orientation correlated most strongly with the intrinsic orientation. The results are discussed in terms of the implications of these orientations for language learning outcomes.