Internal vs External Demotivating Factors ina ForeignLanguage Learning: An Analysis of the Past Studies

Abstract

Language learners’ demotivation is one of the key reasons for their failure or poor progress in
learning a foreign language. The study aimed to find the major internal and external
demotivating reasons for learning a foreign language. Findings of the 44 published studies in the
past years were analyzed. The results show that both internal and external factors play an
important role in demotivating language learners. However, external factors related to the
language teachers have been reported as more demotivating than the internal ones. Along with
the teaching methodology and style of the teachers, the material used for teaching the language,
facilities of the institution offering the course are the second and third largest external
demotivating factors respectively. Among the internal factors, the psychological issues of the
learners have been reported as the most demotivating ones. Findings of the study suggest that
demotivation of the students may be avoided if language teachers employ the latest teaching
techniques keeping the demands of its practical application. The psychological issues may be
overcome by encouraging language learners and giving them maximum opportunities to explore
their learning capabilities.