This book delves into the captivating experiences of exceptionally motivated older adult language learners, examining the factors which generate and sustain motivation throughout a learner's life. The narrative approach traces the motivational dynamics embedded in lifelong language learning and considers its impact on wellbeing in later years.

Preface            

Introduction  

PART 1: ECOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO THIRD AGE ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE LEARNING EXPERIENCE          

Chapter 1. Existing Research on Older Adult Language Learners

Chapter 2. Lifelong Motivational Persistence: An Ecological Perspective

PART 2: LIFELONG ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE LEARNING MOTIVATION: CHALLENGES OF A COMPLEXITY FRAMEWORK

Chapter 3. Holistic Views on Lifelong Motivation in Language Learning

Chapter 4. Directed Motivational Currents in Lifelong Language Learners

PART 3: THE POWER OF STORYTELLING IN THIRD AGE L2 RESEARCH

Chapter 5. Narrative Inquiry in Third Age Additional Language Learning Motivation

Chapter 6. The Narrative Paradigm: Insights into a Blended Methods Approach

PART 4: TALES OF RESILIENCE

Chapter 7. Georges  

Chapter 8. Josette

Chapter 9. Patricia

PART 5: A COLLECTIVE (HI)STORY OF LIFELONG MOTIVATION    

Chapter 10. Historical Motivational Mapping: Tracing Lifelong Dynamics

Chapter 11. Conditions for Sustained Motivation: Components of the Self-Directed Motivational Reservoir

Conclusions

Epilogue

Bérénice Darnault is a Lecturer and Associate Professor of TESOL at the University of Southern Brittany, France, where she teaches business communication and international studies in English. Her research interests lie in the psychology of language learning and include motivation, third age language learning and narrative inquiry.