Abstract:

This paper aims to find efficient approaches to cultivate starters’ motivation in second language learning. Based on some previous researches on second language learning and the analysis of starters’ cognitive features in China, the author tries to approach some effective measures to cultivate starters’ motivation in second language learning, such as creating an active and pleasant atmosphere in classroom, helping starters set up appropriate goals and so on.

Key words: motivation; second language learning; starters

摘要：

本文主要探讨初学者二语习得动机的培养。基于以往对二语习得的一些研究，以及对中国二语初学者认知特点的分析，笔者试着提出了一些关于初学者二语习得动机培养的措施。例如，为初学者提供一种积极的，愉悦的学习环境，也要帮助他们确立正确的目标等等。

关键词：动机; 二语习得;初学者

1 . Introduction
Dai Weidong said: ‘Second Language Acquisition (SLA), formally establishing itself as a discipline around the 1970s, refers to the systematic study of how one person acquires a second language subsequent to his language. Here the “second” language is not opposite to the “foreign” language. Whether the target language to be learned is called a second language or foreign language depends on its status as a second language or foreign language in the country.’
After the implement of opening up and reform policy and China’s entrance into the WTO, it becomes more and more important for us to master English. Chinese government, in order to open to the world and keep up with the international trend,，pay much attention to education, especially the cultivation of English talents. From the year of 2001, Chinese students, from grade three in primary school, learn English as a required subject. Furthermore, some even send their children to bilingual kindergartens. It is true that English learners are younger and younger, however, it does not mean they can learn English better and better. There are many factors that may affect English learning such as attitude, personality, motivation and aptitude, of which motivation is considered to be one of the main factors of influencing English learning. In China, most of people today consider English as the second language, and English is taught the most widely. According to  Chinese National English Curriculum Standards, the starters of English learning are the students from grade three in primary school.