Lifelong Motivation and Foreign Language Learning - (Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching) by Bérénice Darnault (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book delves into the captivating experiences of exceptionally motivated older adult language learners, examining the factors which generate and sustain motivation throughout a learner's life. The narrative approach traces the motivational dynamics embedded in lifelong language learning and considers its impact on wellbeing in later years.

Book Synopsis

This book traces the motivational dynamics embedded within lifelong foreign language learning trajectories, examining the factors which generate and sustain motivation throughout a learner's life. Embracing a complexity approach, it views motivation as a long-term individual process that evolves along a narrative continuum, developing over the course of life, personal experiences, choices and events. This narrative inquiry delves into the captivating and unique experiences of three exceptionally motivated older adult learners who have embarked on a lifelong foreign language journey and maintained their momentum after 60. It will be relevant to researchers interested in third age language acquisition, L2 motivation and the impact of additional language learning on wellbeing. It also offers pedagogical guidance to optimise language education quality through better appreciation and anticipation of the autonomous third age learning experience.

Review Quotes

This book makes a vital contribution to the emerging field of L2 motivation in later life, offering compelling evidence of how language learning can play a crucial role during retirement. Through inspiring individual stories and a dynamic, multi-faceted perspective, it is an essential read for both practitioners and scholars.-- "Elsa Tragant, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain"

This is a book that at once both impresses and inspires. The focus on older adults' experiences brings fresh perspectives to our understandings of lifelong (language) learning. Darnault's voice is clear and engaging, introducing novel findings supported by cutting edge and thoughtfully applied methodological approaches. This is a triumphant debut monograph that will be of interest to students, teachers and researchers alike.-- "Christine Muir, University of Nottingham, UK"

We live in a rapidly aging society but, surprisingly, research has paid very little heed to third age language learners. This book is therefore a very timely contribution written in mesmerizing prose. Highly recommended for researchers interested in the evolution of self-constructs across the life span, and even for the general readership willing to learn how to remain motivated in later years while getting to know the individual factors that may influence the process of motivation.-- "David Lasagabaster, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Spain"

This book makes a vital contribution to the emerging field of L2 motivation in later life, offering compelling evidence of how language learning can play a crucial role during retirement. Through inspiring individual stories and a dynamic, multi-faceted perspective, it is an essential read for both practitioners and scholars.

This is a book that at once both impresses and inspires. The focus on older adults' experiences brings fresh perspectives to our understandings of lifelong (language) learning. Darnault's voice is clear and engaging, introducing novel findings supported by cutting edge and thoughtfully applied methodological approaches. This is a triumphant debut monograph that will be of interest to students, teachers and researchers alike.

We live in a rapidly aging society but, surprisingly, research has paid very little heed to third age language learners. This book is therefore a very timely contribution written in mesmerizing prose. Highly recommended for researchers interested in the evolution of self-constructs across the life span, and even for the general readership willing to learn how to remain motivated in later years while getting to know the individual factors that may influence the process of motivation.

About the Author

Bérénice Darnault is a Lecturer and Associate Professor of TESOL at the University of Southern Brittany, France, where she teaches business communication and international studies in English. Her research interests lie in the psychology of language learning and include motivation, third age language learning and narrative inquiry.