Investigating Students’ Attitudes towards English language learning (A Case Study of Some Sudanese Secondary Schools in Khartoum State)

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating some Sudanese secondary school students’ attitudes and motivations towards learning English as second language (EFL), in terms of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional aspects. The study adopted descriptive analytical method. The researcher used a questionnaire as major tool to collect data and information which were offered to Sudanese secondary school students at Khartoum locality. An interview was also used as a second tool of study to collect relevant information from English language experts at Sudanese secondary schools. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data. It was also explored whether there is any significant difference in the students’ attitudes towards English language based on their demographic profiles i.e., gender, and year of study. A total of 120 participants in the third study year took a questionnaire as a measuring instrument at Khartoum locality. Regarding the three aspects of attitude i.e., cognitive, behavioral, and emotional, the findings indicated that some participants have shown negative attitudes and feelings towards learning English as a second language. The interview was given to a total of 10 experts of English language at secondary schools. On the demographic profile, there were statistically significant attitudinal differences regarding gender but not year of study. Based on the study findings, some recommendations are finally presented, in addition to some suggestions for further studies.