Causes of Problems in Learning English as A Second Language as Perceived by Higher Secondary Students

Abstract

English as a second language (ESL) becomes inseparable and unavoidable in Indian Education system. To learn a second language, a physical, intellectual and emotional involvement is needed to successfully send and interpret linguistic messages. This study is an analysis of some causes of the problems in learning ESL. The objectives of the study were to find out the leading cause of the problems in learning ESL; to find out whether there was any significant difference in the causes of problems faced by the students on the bases of different attributive variables such as sex, locality, habit of reading English dailies and habit of listening to English news. The methodology employed in gathering information was a survey method. SeWi's Scale on Causes of Problems in Learning ESL, prepared by the authors, consisting of 59 statements, was used as tool. The sample comprised 400 students covering 207 boys and 193 girls. The collected data were treated using mean, t test and ANOVA. The result of this study indicated that the Environment was the leading cause for the problems in learning ESL. Comparing to girls, boys perceived more problems. Another major finding was that rural students perceived more problems than urban students. Lack of reading habit and listening tends to confront several problems in learning ESL. Recommendations in the light of findings are also discussed in this article.