Malaysian Rural Primary School Students’ Perceptions of Experiences towards Second Language Learning

Abstract

Research on language learning in rural areas and in a multilingual context is an underrated study. It is apparent that most research on language learning is primarily focusing more in urban areas. Malaysia is an exemplary setting for multilingualism, with a large number of primary schools located in rural areas. As a result, a study was conducted using a survey research design to investigate second language learning in a rural school from a multilingual perspective. This study investigated the aspect of language attitude and language academic skills in terms of English language learning based on the perceptions of students from a rural primary school in Beluran, Sabah. Krashen's Natural Approach provided insights into various aspects of the research, specifically through the lens of the affective filter hypothesis and the input hypothesis. A total of 27 primary students from Year 5 and 6 were chosen as research participants. Data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from Sparks, Ganschow, and Javorsky's (1993) Foreign Language Attitude and Perceptions Survey (FLAPS). The questionnaire items focused on language attitude and language academic skills in a Likert Scale design. The data collected was then analysed using frequency analysis through Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software platform. The findings depicted that a majority of the respondents demonstrated positive language learning readiness and attitudes. However, it did not change the fact that due to their low level of proficiency in the target language, a majority of them experienced anxiety and lack of confidence in learning the English language. As a result, classroom pedagogy should be adjusted to meet the needs and proficiency levels of the students. Furthermore, the government should prioritise infrastructure development and resources for rural schools.