Internal and external motivational factors in pronunciation training

Doc. Hana Vancova, Trnava University in Trnava, Slovakia

Motivation is widely recognized as a critical factor influencing learning efficiency, and its significance has been the focus of numerous recent studies within the EFL context. Research has consistently demonstrated a positive correlation between motivation and enhanced phonological awareness, as well as greater accuracy in both the production and comprehension of sounds. However, motivation in learning is a multifaceted construct, encompassing a complex interplay of internal and external factors.

This study investigates learners’ motivation in pronunciation training, with a specific aim to identify the key motivational factors influencing this process. A standardized questionnaire was administered to a sample of first-year English language students, and the data collected were subjected to detailed analysis. The findings suggest that learners' motivation in pronunciation training is influenced by a range of internal and external factors. Identifying these factors can provide valuable insights for teachers, enabling them to design and implement targeted, meaningful, and effective activities to support pronunciation training and enhance overall language learning outcomes.

Key words: motivation, pronunciation, EFL, questionnaire