Emotion and Motivation in Asia-Pacific Foreign Language Learning: Emerging Perspectives and Evidence

Emotion and motivation are central constructs in educational psychology, exerting a profound influence on the processes and outcomes of foreign language learning. While a growing body of research has examined affective factors such as anxiety and enjoyment, as well as motivational constructs like self-efficacy in Western contexts, the experiences of learners in the Asia-Pacific region remain comparatively underexamined. This imbalance is striking, given the region’s linguistic diversity, exam-driven educational system, and rapidly evolving educational practices. Closer investigation into affective and motivational dimensions of foreign language learning in Asia-Pacific contexts is therefore essential. Such inquiry not only enriches theoretical understanding and reveals culturally grounded patterns of learner experience, but also generates actionable insights for designing pedagogical practices that better support learners in achieving their linguistic and academic goals.This Research Topic aims to bring together empirical studies that advance our understanding of affective and motivational processes in Asia-Pacific foreign language learning. We are particularly interested in research examining how learners’ emotions—both positive and negative—interact with motivation, self-regulation, and engagement in diverse sociocultural and educational settings. Another important goal is to explore how institutional policies, classroom practices, and technological innovations shape learners’ affective experiences and outcomes. In addition, we welcome studies that test pedagogical interventions designed to leverage affective and motivational factors to foster more effective and equitable language learning. By prioritizing empirical evidence, this Research Topic seeks to provide robust insights into the affective and motivational dimensions of language learning while contributing to theory development and practical applications.We invite submissions of empirical research articles that examine the intersection of emotion, motivation, and foreign language learning across Asia-Pacific contexts. Relevant topics may include, but are not limited to:  Emotion and motivation in foreign language learning: The role of specific emotions (e.g., anxiety, enjoyment, boredom) and motivational dynamics, and how they interact to shape foreign language learning processes;  Contextual and comparative studies: Cross-cultural or cross-context comparisons of learners’ affective and motivational experiences;  Pedagogical and technological interventions: Classroom-based and technology-mediated interventions targeting affective and motivational processes to influence learning outcomes;  Research designs and approaches: Longitudinal, experimental, or mixed-methods studies on how affective and motivational factors influence learning outcomes. Only empirical contributions will be considered for this Research Topic. We particularly welcome studies that offer rigorous methodological designs, innovative data collection approaches, and evidence-based implications for educational psychology and language education. Topic editors: Bin Shen, MoonYoung PARK, Michael Yi-chao JIANG, L. Erika Saito Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75529/emotion-and-motivation-in-asia-pacific-foreign-language-learning-emerging-perspectives-and-evidence