Theory of Endogenous and Exogenous Motivation in L2 Migration – Ọbádélé Kambon
Abstract
Implied in theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the notion that language learning is analogous to obtaining or acquiring a possession – thus the use of the term ‘acquisition.’ While this interpretation has gone relatively unchallenged in the literature, this article introduces a new analogy whereby language learning is seen as analogous to a process of permanent or semi-permanent migration towards a new socio-linguistic L2 space. As such, a theory of endogenous and exogenous motivation is delineated, entailing a dynamic interplay between internal (primarily psychological) and external (primarily sociological) push-pull factors. Endogenous and exogenous push-pull factors, together with various other personal factors, contribute to learner decisions to migrate towards, move away from or remain inert with regard to the target language. Further, motivation is framed in the larger theoretical context of causation.
Keywords: interlanguage, endogenous, exogenous, motivation, L2, migration
“This Award is presented to Dr. Obadele Kambon (Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana) as the winner of the 2016 Provost Publications Award (Early Career). The award is based on your Paper titled: “Theory of Endogenous and Exogenous Motivation in L2 Migration” which was published in Per Linguam, 31(2)2015″
Your article has been noted to be a great input in the area of language teaching and learning and this work will be used by many researchers and foreign language teachers.
Also, your work is deemed as provocative, perceptive and a well researched paper that has unmistakable relevance for the teaching and learning of foreign languages and target languages.”
Your write-up is an original contribution which challenges current theories that account for second language acquisition.
Dr. Obadele Kambon, for your outstanding contribution to knowledge and scholarship and for breaking new grounds, the College of Humanities is proud to award you the 2016 Provost Publications Award (Early Career)
Congratulations.
Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah
Provost, College of Humanities, University of Ghana”
Congrats Obenfo! I have read some of your article and it is very interesting. As I myself am bilingual (self taught through immersion in Spanish and having lived in Mexico for 3 years a long time ago). My aim is to speak at least 4 languages fluently so I am now learning Twi, Swahili and thinking of learning Igbo or Yoruba (I am mainly of Yoruba ancestry but have some Igbo, Ghanaian, and Kenyan ancestry as well through my mothers side and Senegalese/Cameroon on my father’s side). So your article is very relevant to someone like me who loves languages and can acquire them easily due to high motivation levels. I am also able to parrot accents as well, which makes it so I sound like a native speaker when learning a language over time with practice. Proud of you brotha! Keep up the amazing work…thanks for all you have done and do for our people.
Meda wo ase. I’m glad you find it interesting. That’s a great skill on the accents. Yes, motivation, I have found, is the #1 factor in determining success in second language migration. Thank you. I will do so. Are you still coming on this year’s Sankɔfa Journey?