International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
L2 learning of non-native speakers: Comparing Malaysia and the United
Kingdom
Parilah M. Shah a Aminuddin Yusof b Aidah A. Karim c Rosseni Din d *
a
Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
b
Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
c Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
d
Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
This study examined the perceptions about second language (L2) or English language learning held by the
students at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Sheffiled Hallam University (SHU). It further
analyzed the respondents’ views as related to language learning attitudes and language academic perceptions.
Comparisons were made in the responses elicited from UKM and SHU students, as well as from the male and
female subjects. A survey questionnaire was adapted from the one designed based on the works of Sparks,
Ganschow and Javorsky (1993), Argaman and Abu-Rabia (2002), and Bell et al (2008). The instruments were
used to gather the data from students taking the English language courses at both universities. The results
revealed variations in response with respect to learners’ perceptions about L2 learning. There were significant
differences between UKM and SHU students with respect to some of the items related to language learning
attitudes and academic perceptions. The paper also addressed the practical implications of the results.
Keywords: L2 learning; Non-native speakers
Introduction
Learning a second language (L2) is one of the significant experiences encountered by a student in an
institution of higher learning. This is especially so if a particular second language, for instance the English
language is used as the language of instruction in the institution/university or is used widely in reading and
referencing tasks. If majority of the reading materials available in the university library are in the English
language, then there is a great need for the university students to master their second language and improve their
language competence. The learning or acquisition of another language is a complex and an intriguing process. It
would take an individual a considerable period of time to acquire the target language, other than his/her own
native tongue. Some second language acquirers would be more successful than others in acquiring a second
language. This is dependent on the variables available to or exhibited by the learners; one of these which is
crucial is the attitude-motivation factor. Educationists seem to frequently contribute views and suggestions that
could increase the rate of second language acquisition or design materials that would enhance second language
learning and mastery. Nevertheless, seldom would educationists investigate and document learners’ perceptions
and beliefs about their second language learning, experiences and world view. Investigations on students’
perceptions should be conducted for several reasons: (i) educators would be aware about language learning from
the learners’ perspectives, (ii) learners’ perceptions guide the way they behave and these can impact their
learning outcomes, (iii) educational institutions can provide empowerment to the learners, and (iv) learners’
views could lead to an improvement in the system of education.
Furthermore, investigations seem to be centred on learners of one particular setting and country. There is no
research conducted comparing L2 learners in Malaysia and the United Kingdom (UK). The investigator believes
that this research would provide a compelling contribution to the field of applied linguistics. A study of learners’
perceptions would present a better understanding of students’ performance and competence. According to
O’Shaughnessy (1992) “perception is an experience” (p. 226) that assists and provides physical actions. Thus,
learners’ perceptions are learners’ experiences that impact their actions and behaviour. A study of learners’
perceptions would enable researchers to gain access into the learners’ world view as well as into how they
interpret their learning and learning experiences. The aim of this research is to examine the perceptions about
E-mail address: drparila@hotmail.com
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