Examining the Learners’ Attitudes towards Learning English Language at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

doi:10.7176/jep/13-5-05

Abstract

English language proficiency has become one of the crucial parts in an EFL context. The achievement of language proficiency not only requires a well-structured curriculum and competent teachers but also the students’ attitudes towards the language learning. Hence, this study examines the EFL learners’ attitudes towards learning English as a foreign language at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The sample of the study were 120 EFL students at the Deanship of the Preparatory Year and Supporting Studies, all native speakers of Arabic at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The data of the study were analyzed by using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 22.0, for analysis. The statistical analysis discloses that (1) the students have positive attitudes towards leaning English language. (2) There is no significant difference between the students at the four levels in their attitudes towards learning English language. (3) The analysis showed that the students have integrative-instrumental attitudes to learn English language which is an advantage. (4) It is also found that the students do not have negative attitudes or fear towards learning English. Further, it is also noticed that the students are frequently involved in watching English programs and movies. Finally, it is hoped that the findings of this study will help in further improvements of the students’ ability in learning English as a foreign language. The positive students’ attitude should be taken into consideration. Also, Saudi EFL teachers should take the positive of students’ attitude towards learning English into consideration as well. Keywords: Attitude, Saudi EFL learners, English as a foreign language, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-5-05 Publication date: February 28 th 2022

Highlights

IntroductionSyllabus makers and EFL teachers have realized that there is great need to understand the term attitudes for Saudi EFL learners in learning English as foreign language at Saudi universities
In Saudi universities, English is taught as a foreign language
It is heartening to notice that Saudi EFL students at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University have started taking more interest in using English language

Summary

Introduction

Syllabus makers and EFL teachers have realized that there is great need to understand the term attitudes for Saudi EFL learners in learning English as foreign language at Saudi universities. Allport (1935) defined attitudes as the most distinctive and important term in social psychology. Morgan (1993) stated that attitudes has a role in psychology and in language learning. Based on the researches on attitudes, various fields have dealt with the term attitudes like social psychology, language learning, socio-linguistics and neuro-linguistics. According to definition of Allport (1935) he defines attitude as “a mental and neutral state of readiness, systematized via practice, exerting a dynamic and directive influence upon human’s reaction to all situations and objectives with which it is connected” The types of attitude that are cognitive and conative are repeatedly involved in most the texts of social psychology

Components of Attitudes

Participant’ Sitting

Data collection

Quantitative Analysis

Results and Discussion

Conclusion