This article discusses the influence of motivation and demotivation on English language acquisition, and aims to not only identify the most prevalent motivators/demotivators in the Japanese EFL education system but also measure the strength of their impact. This is done in two steps. First, research studies done on Japanese EFL student motivation/demotivation are analyzed. Second, the findings of these research studies are referenced in a survey done at a public high school in Japan to measure the impact of the most commonly mentioned motivators and demotivators. The survey took data from a group of fifty-six students, who were asked what factors most motivated or discouraged their study of English. They also rated how strongly each factor affected them. An interview with the students’ teacher was also conducted for further insights. Students’ awareness of the practical value of English was the strongest motivation factor.
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