Motivation and multilingual identity in Maltese adolescents : an investigation through structural equation modelling

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological and contextual factors shaping multilingual identity among Maltese adolescents. Malta is a bilingual nation undergoing rapid linguistic diversification due to significant demographic shifts. Using the L2 Motivational Self System and post-structural theories of identity, the study examines how socio-cognitive beliefs, language attitudes, and instrumental values shape motivation and, ultimately, multilingual identity. Data were collected from 402 secondary school students through a validated online questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to assess direct and mediated relationships between latent constructs. It demonstrated a good overall fit and identified motivation as the strongest predictor of multilingual identity, explaining 48% of its variance. Instrumental value beliefs also influenced identity directly, indicating a dual pathway. Small but significant effects were found for classroom multilingual context and gender. Findings highlight the importance of future-oriented motivation and support language policies that integrate practical and humanistic approaches to multilingualism.