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 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, majority of the students show 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 seems higher than male students.
Moreover, urban school students’ interest in learning English and performance seem to be higher than rural
school students. The highlighted factors were due to lack of parental attention, insufficient basic knowledge
in English, inadequate learning facilities, lack of motivation and poverty. Further, the highlighted major
factors that contribute to students’ negative attitude in learning English were: insufficient basic knowledge
in English, lack of motivation, lack of parental attention for 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.
