A Review of Antecedent Variables of the L2 Motivational Self System in the Chinese EFL Context

Yuting Xu

doi:10.18686/ahe.v9i8.14410

A Review of Antecedent Variables of the L2 Motivational Self System in the Chinese EFL Context

Yuting Xu

Abstract

The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) is foundational to L2 motivation research, yet antecedent variable studies remain scattered in non-Western collectivist EFL contexts. This review integrates 2002–2025 empirical studies on Chinese EFL learners, constructing an individual-environment-sociocultural framework and clarifying how antecedents shape Ideal L2 Self (IS), Ought-to L2 Self (OS), and L2 Learning Experience (LLE). Key fi ndings: individual factors are core predictors, environmental factors bridge individuals and contexts, and sociocultural factors (collectivism, social class) define Chinese L2MSS characteristics. We identify methodological, contextual, and variable interaction gaps, and propose longitudinal mixed-methods and digital context research as future directions. This study enriches L2MSS theory and offers pedagogical implications for collectivist EFL settings.

Keywords

L2 Motivational Self System; Antecedent variables; Chinese EFL learners; Collectivism; Individual-environment-sociocultural framework; L2 learning motivation

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18686/ahe.v9i8.14410

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