Motivation as an affective factor: A conceptual and theoretical exploration in second or foreign language acquisition

This narrative literature review takes a closer look at how motivation shapes the language learning journey. It explores how motivation influences learner engagement, performance, and persistence in language learning. The review synthesizes conceptual and theoretical perspectives, highlighting both internal and external sources of motivation and their impact on learning outcomes. It also discusses how motivation interacts with emotional factors such as anxiety, attitude, and self-confidence, and how supportive learning environments can lower affective barriers. The findings aim to inform more effective teaching practices that foster sustained motivation and language proficiency.