A comparative study on the L2 motivational self system of Syrian refugee and Turkish learners of English

This study aimed to compare the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) of Syrian refugee and Turkish learners of English and identify the possible relationship among the eight constructs of L2MSS between the two groups. The study adopted a descriptive non-experimental correlational research design and collected data from 479 learners aged 13-18 through a structured L2MSS questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and ANOVA tests were used to calculate the mean scores and explore how the two groups differed in L2MSS. To identify potential correlations between the constructs, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was calculated. Results showed that Syrian refugee learners had higher mean scores on each motivational construct of L2MSS than Turkish learners of English. Cultural interest and ideal L2 self-received the highest mean scores from both groups. Further results indicated a statistically significant difference between Turkish and refugee learners with regard to integrativeness, attitudes to learning English, milieu, ideal L2 self, ought to L2 self and intended learning effort. Considering anxiety and cultural interest, the results yielded no significant difference between the groups. Lastly, integrativeness correlated positively and strongly with attitudes to learning English, ideal L2 self and intended learning effort for both Syrian refugee and Turkish learners.