Disappearing Integrative Motivation: A Validated Scale of Motivation for Learners of Southeast Asian Languages.

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a motivation scale specifically designed for university students enrolled in Southeast Asian language programs. Utilizing a thematic analysis of interviews with 28 students, five key motivational dimensions were identified: institutional environment, proficiency demand, self-development planning, social responsibilities, and intrinsic interest. These dimensions informed the construction of an initial scale, which was empirically tested and refined through two rounds of validation. The final 19-item scale covers four core dimensions, excluding intrinsic interest, reflecting the dominance of instrumental motivations in this context. Results highlighted the practical and goal-oriented nature of these motivations, differing from the integrative motivations observed in learners of global languages like English. This study fills a research gap by offering a validated tool for assessing language learning motivation in smaller, regionally significant language programs and provides insights into the unique motivational factors driving these learners.