TASK 3: INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE ESSAY (10%)

Motivation can be defined as something that is closely related to one’s behaviour. One has
to set up his mind and goal first before achieving it. Motivation and attitudes also have
relevant and crucial value in learning a second language that influences the success of
language learning. Second language is difficult as it is not native to someone. Therefore, it is
pertinent for one to keep their motivation high and attitude at the same time. Without
motivation and good attitude, learner cannot perform or learn a language as motivation
makes purposes clearly visible. Learning a new language is very challenging too but if the
learner has the required integrative and extrinsic motivation, he or she can do well
[ CITATION Jen15 \l 1033 ].

Motivations can also be divided into two which are integrative and instrumental
motivation. Integrative motivation can be defined the language learning for personal growth
and cultural enrichment; that is, the learner likes to learn a language to enter successfully
into the target language society. On the other hand, instrumental motivation refers to a
practical or pragmatic reason for language study. To relate motivation in acquiring second
language with my own experience in learning English as my second language, I find that it is
important to have motivation and positive attitude in acquiring second language. Based on
my experience learning English language, my parents play an important role in this as they
have always encouraged me to speak and learn English.

They also manage to build and give adequate exposure to me as English books
corner was created at home just so that I can English better. Even though I used to speak in
a terrible a broken grammar context, my parents are always supportive and even made the
initiative to send me to a tuition class. They also bought English exercise for me to improve
my vocabulary content. Hence, my parents are really the prime example of integrative
motivation as they have successfully provided me with enough materials for me to love
English language and its community. I have also studied in a Chinese Federation (CF)
school in Sabah, therefore, English is used as the main medium of interaction between the
students and teachers. I have somehow received my instrumental motivation from my
surroundings because without learning English and using it to communicate with my friends,
I would find it difficult as they don’t converse Bahasa Malaysia that well. Thus, I would listen
and observe my friends as they interact with each other and look for certain words that I find
interesting and refer it in a dictionary later on.
 After that, in order to keep myself motivated, I need to instil a good attitude from
within. Therefore, I started to reward myself whenever I was able to find a new word and
successfully use it as I interact with my friends. Through this, I was able to train myself to
keep on improving as I know I will be rewarded afterwards. In conclusion, one’s motivation
and attitudes do affect the ability to acquire a second language. Based on my experience,
both elements are as important because it keeps me from not giving up.