Building walls or bridges: The effect of identity on adult immigrant motivation in the acquisition of a third language (L3)

This presentation focuses on the psychological barriers rooted in self-limiting beliefs based on emotions that prevent learners from reaching their full potential when acquiring a host language. The findings of an empirical qualitative study suggest that motivation in adult immigrants studying an L3 derives from a strong sense of personal identity connected to their L1 or L2. Advanced competence beyond the initial or intermediate stages of L3 seems to create a sense of divided loyalties, which decreases the level of motivation.