FACTORS INFLUENCING UZBEK STUDENTS' MOTIVATION TO LEARN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: A PSYCHOLINGUISTIC AND SOCIOCULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study, entitled "Factors Influencing Uzbek Students' Motivation to Learn Foreign Languages: A Psycholinguistic and Sociocultural Perspective," is devoted to examining the key motivational factors that shape foreign language acquisition among Uzbek students. The primary objective of the research is to identify the psychological, social, cultural, and educational determinants that enhance or hinder students' motivation in the context of English and other foreign language learning. The study employed a semi-structured interview to collect data from students manually. The interview questions explored three main dimensions: intrinsic motivation: personal enjoyment, satisfaction with progress, extrinsic motivation: career goals, teacher and family influence, and sociocultural factors: media, globalization, social advantages. The findings reveal that Uzbek students' motivation is significantly influenced by instrumental goals, particularly career advancement and academic success. Integrative motivation also one of the crucial factor. Teacher behavior, peer influence, classroom atmosphere and interesting lessons emerge as critical situational factors. At the same time, the analysis demonstrates that intrinsic motivation, when nurtured through supportive learning environments, leads to more sustainable language acquisition outcomes. The results of the research contribute to the further development of psycholinguistics, language pedagogy, and sociolinguistics, and may serve as a valuable resource for curriculum designers and language educators in Uzbekistan