Translation Studies has started its development since the 1970s and later formed an independent discipline. However, translation teaching and learning is deeply affected by the discipline of foreign language teaching and acquisition. In recent years translation teaching and learning has been valued and domestic universities and colleges have built up translation departments and graduate institutes and designed translation courses, but translation teaching has not achieved its full effectiveness. One of its reasons is students' low motivation for learning translation. Another reason could be that translation teaching is not so interesting that students have lost their passion for learning and even regard requirements as the only factor in learning translation. The published researches on translation learning are mainly about curriculum design, teaching methods, learning needs and style, but those on English or translation majors' motivations for learning translation have yet to be published. In regard to the afore-mentioned reasons, this research is aimed at providing primary concepts and practical application of motivations for learning translation. On the basis of the theories of second language learning motivation, it explores all factors in learning motivations of translation to form the statement of motivations for learning translation that is fit to classroom-based learning context and create the research framework of students' learning motivation. It is expected that this research could be the reference for translation teachers to enhance the effects of translation teaching and learning.
