Comparative Analysis of the Motivational Orientations of English as Second Language Learners among Erstwhile FATA and Settled Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze students' L2 motivations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, among the ESL learners of the settled areas (non-FATA) and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The main factors focused in the study are Exposure to English, Parental Role, Awareness of the importance of English and the Schooling facilities. The study follows qualitative methodology where the data was collected from 30 L2 learners from FATA University where 15 of them belonged to FATA region while 15 of them belonged to Non FATA region through Semi structured interviews. The findings indicate that non-FATA learners exhibit higher levels of motivation. The primary reason is their greater exposure to the second language through media, social interactions, and a wider range of educational tools. The study thus recommends that the environmental factors have a positive impact of the motivation to learn a second language.