Lifelong Motivation and Foreign Language Learning: Perspectives from Later Life(29 Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching)

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.

Table of Contents:
Tables and Figures Acronyms and Abbreviations Acknowledgements Preface             Introduction – The Motivational Discourse in Third Age: A Longitudinal Perspective     Part 1: Ecological Insights into Third-Age Additional Language Learning Experience       Chapter 1. Existing Research on Older Adult Language Learners Chapter 2. Lifelong Motivational Persistence: An Ecological Perspective Part 2: Lifelong Additional Language Learning Motivation: Challenges of a Complexity Framework Chapter 3. Holistic Views on Lifelong Motivation in Language Learning Chapter 4. Directed Motivational Currents in Lifelong Language Learners Part 3: The Power of Storytelling in Third-Age L2 Research Chapter 5. Narrative Inquiry in Third-Age Additional Language Learning Motivation Chapter 6. The Narrative Paradigm: Insights into a Blended Methods Approach Part 4: Tales of Resilience Chapter 7. Georges   Chapter 8. Josette Chapter 9. Patricia Part 5: A Collective (Hi)Story of Lifelong Motivation Chapter 10. Historical Motivational Mapping: Tracing Lifelong Dynamics Chapter 11. Conditions for Sustained Motivation: Components of the Self-Directed Motivational Reservoir Conclusions Epilogue Appendices References Index

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.

Review :
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. 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.