Language learning motivation and gender: The case of Poland

Gender differences in language learning motivation have not been extensively examined. Thus, this survey study explores gender differences in the population of 599 Polish learners of English aged 14-16. Unlike other studies, it does not only compare means but investigates whether there are gender differences in the way the variables interact with each other. Findings show that females scored higher than males on scales of international orientation, ideal L2 self, self-regulation and the placement test. No gender differences were observed on instrumentality, self-efficacy beliefs, English self-concept and intrinsic motivation. There is also a significant difference in the strength of link between the ideal L2 self and intrinsic motivation between female and male models. Thus, gender effects appear more extensive than previous research has shown.