Resumen de Imagined selves and L2 learning motivation among middle-aged women: The experiences of Middle Eastern women

Haifa Al-Nofaie

• This case study aims to understand what motivates mid-aged women from the Middle East to learn English. The study builds on Norton’s (2000) concepts of investment. The study included three female participants in their 40s and 50s who had different life experiences and motives for learning English. Participants’ narratives and researchers’ observations were used for data collection. It was found that these women learn English during their middle-age years in order to empower themselves. In addition, participants’ efforts for learning English were highlighted in relation to their future identities. It is hoped that this study will encourage linguists to investigate the issue of Middle Eastern females’ identities and language learning motivation to widen the scope of motivation theories