This study explored the interrelationships
between the three components of second language (L2)
motivational self system (i.e., ideal L2 self, ought-to L2
self, and L2 learning experience), international posture, L2
anxiety, and willingness to communicate (WTC) using
structural equation modeling. Questionnaire data were
collected from 1,013 university students in China. The
results showed that ideal L2 self was predicted by learning
experience, ought-to L2 self, and international posture.
Ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self exerted, respectively, a
negative and positive effect on L2 anxiety. L2 WTC was
found to encompass two distinct factors: WTC inside and
outside the classroom. The former was predicted by L2
anxiety, learning experience, and international posture,
whereas the latter had international posture as its only
direct predictor. This model marks the first step toward
drawing on L2 motivational self system to account for
foreign language learners’ communication intention from
the perspective of an imagined global community.

EB00000002609K

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• L2 Motivational Self System, Attitudes, and Affect as Predictors of L2 WTC: An Imagined Community Perspective