Does nationalism motivate or demotivate? Unpacking complex identity-motivation nexus in the context of Chinese learners of Japanese

ABSTRACT

Identity issues have been an area of focus in language learning motivation scholarship. However, the role of national identity in language learning motivation has not received sufficient attention. In response to the timely call for reflections on nationalism and language education, this study examines how political nationalism and cultural nationalism shape Chinese learners’ motivation to learn Japanese. Our analysis suggests that cultural nationalism considerably enhances Chinese learners’ motivation whereas the motivational impact of political nationalism is bifurcate. Our research helps illuminate the mechanism of the rooted L2 self and national interest in language learning motivation, especially in the Chinese context.

摘要

语言学习和身份认同的关系是语言学习动机研究的重心。然而，民族身份认同在语言学习动机中的角色却鲜有学者关注。因此，本研究考察了民族主义对中国日语学习者动机的影响。本研究发现，文化民族主义对中国日语学习者动机有正面影响,而政治民族主义对中国日语学习者动机有双重影响。本研究揭示了中国语境下“根深二语自我”和“国家利益”在语言学习动机中的作用机制

KEYWORDS:

• Foreign language learning
• motivation
• nationalism
• Japanese
• China

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the editors and the anonymous reviewers for their very helpful and constructive feedback. We would also like to thank Dr Troy McConachy and Professor Ema Ushioda for their support and encouragement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research is sponsored by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant number: 2022M712941).

Notes on contributors

Zi Wang

Dr. Zi Wang works as Internationalisation Coordinator at University of Warwick. She holds a PhD degree in English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics from University of Warwick. Her research interests include multilingualism, language learning and interculturality. She has published on journals such as International Journal of Multilingualism and The Language Learning Journal.

Chang Zhang

Dr. Chang Zhang is a Post-doctoral Fellow of Communication University of China. She holds a PhD degree on Politics and International Studies at University of Warwick. Her research expertise ranges from nationalism studies, public diplomacy to Chinese foreign policy. She has published multiple papers on journals such as: Chinese Journal of International Politics, Global Media and China, News Journalist (Xinwen Jizhe) etc.

Shiyu Li

Shiyu Li is a MA student studying Chinese Language and Literature at the Department of Chinese and History, City University of Hong Kong. She received her BA degree in Japanese from Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at Fudan University. Her main research interests are Japanese literature and the comparison of Chinese and Japanese thought and culture.