Abstract
This research is a case study of ‘reasons motivating educated Pakistani housewives to learn the English language’ at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad (NUML). The purpose of the study is to identify factors which motivate the housewives, who do not have any professional compulsions, to gain admission in English language courses. Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to collect the data through questionnaires and interviews of students, teachers and administrators. Analysis of the data revealed that the instrumental motivation compelling Pakistani housewives to learn English is more dominant. Though integrative motivation is also observed, yet a smaller proportion of these housewives showed interest in emulating the culture of the English language. The most dominant motivating factors are the social benefits which compel them to attend English language courses.