The Mediating Role of Learning Strategies in Linking L2 Motivation and Proficiency: An Example of Korean Learners

The purpose of this research was to investigate how motivation influences the language proficiency of intermediate and advanced Korean learners, with a specific focus on the mediating role of learning strategies. In order to accomplish this research purpose, the following research questions were constructed: 1) Does a mediating effect of learning strategies exist between the learning motivation and Korean proficiency of KFL? 2) Is there a statistically significant direct effect, indirect effect, and total effect of learning motivation on Korean language proficiency through learning strategies? Data sources were from questionnaires and Korean C-tests, which were conducted from 89 intermediate and advanced learners of Korean. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and the PROCESS macro for mediation analysis. The findings of data analysis showed that: 1) Learning strategies fully mediated the relationship between overall motivation and language proficiency; 2) Career-related motivation improved proficiency both directly and indirectly through learning strategies, indicating that learning strategies had a partial mediating function. Lastly, instructional implications for the classroom and suggestions for further study were also discussed.