Language attitude among Tamil language teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to find the language attitude among Tamil Language teachers. It explored the stereotyped impressions of Tamil language teachers towards Tamil language, which includes language learning, language choice and usage. The study was conducted on 42 Tamil language teachers around Kuala Lumpur and Tanjung Malim. The study incorporated mixed method. Paulston's theory was used to explain the reason for the attitudes. Results of the study showed sharp decline in the use of the Tamil language among the Kuala Lumpur teachers. Tanjung Malim teachers showed a little interest towards language maintenance. Demographical and social factors were identified to be the reason for the attitude. Overall finding showed that Tamil language teachers are experiencing language shift by adapting to English and Malay language.