Validity and Predictiveness of the 2 × 2 Model of L2 Self‐Guides: Revisiting the Relationship Between Motivation and L2 Communication

ABSTRACT The 2 × 2 model of L2 self‐guides, a motivational framework, contains four components—ideal L2 self/own, ideal L2 self/other, ought‐to L2 self/own, and ought‐to L2 self/other—which is considered more reflective of the continuity of learning motivation than traditional models. However, it has been validated only in a few studies and primarily in relation to more general measures of motivated behavior. The present study further evaluates the applicability of the L2 self‐guides model and examines how these self‐guides predict two interconnected operational constructs in L2 communication: willingness to communicate (WTC) and frequency of communication (FoC). An integrated questionnaire, developed from previous studies, was administered to 442 Chinese college students who were learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Multilevel validation and structural equation modeling were employed to assess the model's reliability, validity, and predictive effects. The results demonstrated strong discriminant validity for the self‐guides model. The ideal self/own was the strongest predictor of WTC and FoC, while the ought‐to self/own showed no significant effect. The ought‐to self/other and WTC both facilitated FoC, whereas the ideal self/other acted as an inhibitor. This study supports the generalizability of the L2 self‐guides model, providing insights into motivation theory and its role in L2 communication.