Ideal L2 Self in EFL and ESP Contexts

Language learning, especially a foreign language learning is a long process. To become proficient in a foreign language, learners need to have clear goals to maintain their motivation. This paper focuses on Ideal L2 Self as an aspect of L2 motivation. The Ideal L2 Self refers to learner’s ideal selfimage in their future L2 use. Ideal L2 Self of learners in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context and the English for specific purposes (ESP) context were examined in this study. The learners’ ideal L2 selves of both groups were analyzed in terms of register in order to specify how much their ideal L2 selves were concrete. Also, the learners’ self images of their using the L2 in their future in each learning context were compared. The results of the study showed some contrast in the learners’ ideal L2 selves between the two groups. The main findings of the study were: (1) the learning context and reasons for learning the L2 may be independent, (2) learners in the EFL context had more variation in their images of their future jobs, and (3) learners in the ESP context had clearer Ideal L2 Selves in terms of tenor