Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 9. Number 3. September 2018                                   Pp. 45-60
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol9no3.4

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English Language Learning Motivation and English Language Learning Anxiety in Saudi
Military Cadets: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Ali Falah Alqahtani
Department of Languages
King Abdulaziz Military Academy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

 

 

Abstract:
This study aims to investigate English language learning motivation and English language learning anxiety in Saudi military cadets. Some 174 Saudi military cadets completed a questionnaire specifically developed to be used in the context of Saudi Arabia. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse a proposed model using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 21. The study found that the students’ language learning effort was determined by their Ideal L2 Self and their positive attitudes towards their immediate learning environment. However, the students’ imposed social ideal-self as well as their negative attitudes towards their immediate learning environment contributed to their Ought-to L2 Self, which in turn increased their English learning anxiety. Parental encouragement and religious interest impacted on the Saudi L2 learners’ Ideal L2 Self and their language learning attitudes, which might have helped them to see themselves as future L2 users and to adopt positive attitudes to their immediate learning environment. This in turn motivated them to invest more effort and be more persistent in learning English.
Keywords: English learning anxiety, intended learning effort, L2 motivational self-system, parental encouragement, religious interest

Cite as: Alqahtani, A. F. (2018). English Language Learning Motivation and English Language Learning Anxiety in Saudi Military Cadets: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach. Arab World English Journal, 9 (3), 45-60.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol9no3.4

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-382X
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol9no3.4

Ali Falah Alqahtani is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Languages, King Abdulaziz
Military Academy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He holds a PhD in TESOL from the University of Leeds,
UK. His main field of research interest focuses on second language motivation. He has published
a number of academic articles, proceedings and a book.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-382X