Abstract:
Learners’ attitude has been a significant factor in language learning and acquisition. The ESL/
EFL leaners’ negative attitude towards learning English seems a primary barrier in ESL/EFL
learning. This study aimed at investigating students’ attitude towards learning English based on
20 selected schools in the Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. This study was a descriptive survey
and a qualitative approach was applied for both data collection and data presentation. In this study,
50 English language teachers from 20 selected schools in the research area were chosen as the
sample population through simple random sampling technique. The primary data were collected
using a focus interview. According to the opinion survey through physical and telephone
conversation, the major findings show that in general, the majority of the students shows a
negative attitude towards learning English. Among them, however, most female students show
much interest in learning English and their performance and results production in English seem
higher than male students. Moreover, urban school students’ interest in learning English and
performance seems to be higher than rural school students. The highlighted factors were lack of
parental attention, insufficient basic knowledge of English, inadequate learning facilities, lack of
motivation and poverty. Further, the highlighted major factors that contribute to students’ negative
attitude towards learning English were: insufficient basic knowledge in English, lack of
motivation, lack of parental attention to English subject, difficulties in understanding textbooks,
over-crowded classrooms & use of traditional teaching/learning equipment and lacks in school
ESL curriculum. Students’ interest in learning English in both rural and urban schools can be
drawn when the followings are implemented; distributing human and physical resources equally
to all schools; establishing separate equipped language unit in each school; inclusion of new revise
in the curriculum that at least a pass in GCE (O/L) English subject is mandatory to study GCE
(A/L) and pass in GCE (A/L) General English is mandatory for university enrolment
