Self-Motivation and Personalized Strategies for Enhancing English Language Proficiency in Professional Contexts

Authors

  • Ma. Theresa L. Eustaquio

    College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, Echague 3309, Isabel, Philippines
  • Fadzradina O. Mohammad

    Laboratory High School, Sulu State College, Jolo, Sulu 7400, Philippines
  • Jhordan T. Cuilan

    Department of English, Benguet State University, Benguet 2601, Philippines
  • Analyn C. Españo

    College of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City 6500, Philippines
  • Sar-Ana M. Abdurasul

    College of Humanities, Social Science and Communication, Basilan State College, Isabela City 7300, Basilan, Philippines
  • Rasmil T. Abdurasul

    Group, Laboratory, City State ZIP/Zone, Country
  • Fahadz M. Lulu

    School of Arts and Sciences, Philippine Women’s University, Manila 1004, Philippines
  • Jason V. Chavez

    School of Business Administration, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City 7000, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.8637
Received: 3 February 2025 | Revised: 6 March 2025 | Accepted: 17 June 2025 | Published Online: 15 July 2025

Abstract

English proficiency is fundamental in the modern-day globalized workplace for professionals. This study examines the impact self-motivation and personalized learning strategies on professional English language skills. Twenty-five professionals were purposively selected for interviews to discuss their perceptions and experiences with the use of the English language in professional contexts. The primary data were narrative accounts from one-on-one interviews. The findings revealed that participants were primarily motivated to improve their English proficiency due to its perceived value in enhancing professional advancement, building confidence, and improving workplace efficiency. Career development emerged as a significant factor, as participants associated strong English skills with increased promotional opportunities and enhanced professional visibility. Many individuals overcame psychological barriers, such as shyness and low confidence, through purposeful self-improvement. Participants also viewed English proficiency as crucial for building confidence, contributing more meaningfully in collaborative environments, and feeling empowered in professional settings. The drive to be effective at work was further motivated by the fact that language competence enhanced task management, team communication, and overall job satisfaction. Personalized learning strategies included engaging in informal language exchanges with colleagues, adopting a growth mindset to embrace mistakes, and utilizing interactive tools such as apps and audiovisual content. These strategies enabled them to integrate English into real-life contexts, making language development both practical and sustainable. This matters because it highlights how intrinsic motivation and personalized, context-driven strategies can significantly support adult language learners in professional environments, suggesting that autonomy and relevance are key components in effective language acquisition.

Keywords:

English Language Learning; Language Confidence; Language Proficiency; Professional Career; Self-Motivation

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How to Cite

Eustaquio, M. T. L., Mohammad, F. O., Cuilan, J. T., Españo, A. C., Abdurasul, S.-A. M., Abdurasul, R. T., Lulu, F. M., & Chavez, J. V. (2025). Self-Motivation and Personalized Strategies for Enhancing English Language Proficiency in Professional Contexts. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(7), 611–624. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.8637

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 7 (July 2025): In progress

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Copyright © 2025 Ma. Theresa L. Eustaquio, Fadzradina O. Mohammad, Jhordan T. Cuilan, Analyn C. Españo, Sar-Ana M. Abdurasul, Rasmil T. Abdurasul, Fahadz M. Lulu, Jason V. Chavez

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