AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate English learning motivation among ethnic
minority English learners in rural China. Based on Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self
System theory, participants’ English learning motivation was investigated and factors
which affect their motivation to learn English were explored. Besides, the relationship
between the participants’ English proficiency and learning motivation was also
investigated. The study adopted a mixed methods case study research approach. 38
students of Uyghur and Kazak ethnic groups in Ningxia University were selected as
the participants and 6 of them were recruited as cases. Research data was collected on
English proficiency test, questionnaire and interview. Quantitative data was analysed
by conducting descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, while the
qualitative data was analysed by using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that
ethnic minority English learners in rural China had a favourable d.....