The Perceptions of Language Lecturers Regarding the Language Style of Formal Letters: To What Extent Writing Formal Letters is a Problem to Them?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of the lecturers of the Academy of Language Studies (APB), UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP) with regard to problems in writing formal letters concerning language style. Language style is a very important element in the writing of a formal letter because it can affect a recipient’s views of the sender of the letter. If the language style used is inaccurate, it may also result in misunderstandings between a sender and a recipient and may cause a program being delayed due to errors in the letter. The research method used was descriptive which involved the analysis of data from a questionnaire distributed to 30 respondents (APB UiTMCPP lecturers). The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software version 23. The findings showed that the lecturers were indeed confused about the language style of formal letter writing and that the highest percentage belonged to the item that indicated that the majority of the lecturers agreed that they were mistaken about the correct use of slogans / motto in formal letter writing. The study is expected to assist the researchers in providing a solution to facilitate the lecturers at the APB UiTMCPP in writing formal letters.