Issues and Difficulties in Essay Writing When Learning Malay as a Second Language

Abstract

This study aims to examine the difficulties encountered by non-native Malay speakers when writing Malay essays in primary school. Eight primary school teachers who taught Malay Language subjects were chosen to participate in the study. Participants must have led the Malay Language to level two students for at least five years. To this end, all study participants were randomly recruited from eight primary schools in the Semporna area of Sabah. The schools chosen as research locations have most kids who are not native Malay speakers (Bajau ethnic). The interview instruments are semi-structured, and the results are processed using the Atlas.ti 8.24 software (Mac version). The findings indicate that the most challenging Malay language skill for non-native speakers to learn is essay writing. Non-native speakers face difficulties with concept production, technical parts of essay writing, and limited vocabulary proficiency. Several critical points should be addressed. First, to address the issue of non-native speakers writing essays. Increasing students’ language proficiency encourages students to think and produce ideas and improves students’ command of the essay style and varieties of student essays. The data from this study are critical for students who are not native speakers of Malay to enhance their teaching and learning writing of Malay essays.