English language learning in Italy: A study of L2 attitudes, L2 motivation and self-perceived proficiency among Italian youth

In order to gain insight into the current situation pertaining to English proficiency and English learning in Italy, the present study comprehensively examines the nature of L2 attitudes, L2 motivation, and self- perceived English proficiency among youth residing in Naples and Rome. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the work of social theorist Pierre Bourdieu and poststructuralist approaches to the study of second language acquisition (SLA) in order to take into account participants’ identities, positions, and the power relations in their social context pertaining to the analysis of their L2 attitudes, motivation, and self-perceived proficiency. The main goals of this study are to unveil the factors that affect L2 attitudes, motivation, and self- perceived proficiency, and to explore learners’ negotiations and attempts at (re)positioning themselves to circumvent impediments to English acquisition.