The Influence of Learner's Motivation and Attitudes on Foreign Language Learning among Malaysian Students in UPSI

Abstract

Leaner's motivation and attitudes have great impact on the foreign language learning. The objective of this study was to determine the motivation and attitudes of the students towards learning foreign languages among Malaysian students in Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI). This study measured the attitudes through the motivation of students on the basis of Gardner's Socio-Educational Model (1985). In order to reveal the co-relation between motivation and attitudes of language learners and the foreign language learning, the study designs a set of questionnaire to investigate the student's learning attitude and motivation towards learning process of all the three languages involved (Spanish, German and Japanese). A total of 90 respondents involved in this study comprising of 30 Spanish, 30 German and 30 Japanese language students. Through discussion of the survey, the respondents have showed positive attitudes and motivation towards learning process of all the three languages. The study found out that the motivation of the students to attend foreign languages courses was influenced by the internal factors like preferences, interests and enjoyment in learning foreign languages. In addition, integrative and instrumental factors also influenced the attitudes of the students. The results show that some students are motivated intrinsically in that they learn foreign languages for the purpose of communicating with foreigners, or for an interest in European and Asian Culture, or even learning foreign languages to earn a new experience. Some students are motivated due to the extrinsic factors such as for the purpose of career development, higher education or travel. In conclusion, UPSI students have positive attitudes and motivation towards foreign language that is being learned.