What does 'integrative motivation' refer to in the context of language learning?

Integrative motivation refers to the drive to learn a language with the intention of becoming part of another community or culture. This type of motivation is primarily about connection, empathy, and identity; learners are often inspired by the desire to interact with speakers of the language, understand their way of life, and become more integrated into that culture.

This motivation encourages language learners to engage deeply with the nuances of the language, as it fosters an emotional and social investment in learning. When individuals seek to assimilate or interact meaningfully within a different cultural context, they tend to develop a greater commitment to mastering the language, which can lead to more effective and fluent communication.