Motivation in English Language Learning: A Critical Review of General and Medical English Among Doctors in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This critical review examines the motivational factors influencing English language learning among medical professionals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, focusing on both General English (GE) and English for Medical Purposes (EMP). Drawing on a mixed-methods study involving 104 medical doctors who graduated within the past three years, the paper explores the levels and types of motivation, the differences between GE and EMP learning motivations, and the factors that drive or hinder motivation. The findings reveal that instrumental (INS) and integrative (INT) motivations are the primary drivers, with extrinsic (EXT) and intrinsic (INR) motivations playing moderate roles. The study highlights the significant impact of career development, educational purposes, and cultural understanding on motivation, while identifying challenges related to classroom environments, teaching methods, and time constraints. This paper critically evaluates these findings, situates them within the broader literature on language learning motivation, and offers recommendations for improving English language education for medical professionals.