This thesis is concerned with an empirical study of motivation among non-English major freshmen studying in Xichang College, a newly-founded general college of ethnic minority areas. The purpose of the study is to investigate non-English major freshmen＇ s motivation types, the differences of motivation types among Hart learners and Yi learners, and explore the interrelations among motivation and English achievement. The study also presents some implications for college English teaching and learning, especially for the newly-founded general colleges of ethnic minority areas.