• Hussein Islam Abdullah

  Author

Motivation and attitude are two elements which are important in learning a second language as well as to provide the continuity needed to carry on the learning process. Multiple methodologies are being used for teaching and learning of a second language. In countries
where English is taught as a second language, learners have different motivational factors and attitudes thus develop a specific relation towards English. Motivational factors and past experiences can affect students’ attitude towards English language learning. The paper outlines the results of a survey which was carried out to identify National University of Malaysia (UKM) undergraduates’ motivation and attitude towards learning the English language. The study investigated students’ motivation and personal motivation based on Gardner’s (1985) and Cooper and Fishman’s (1977) works. Learners’ attitude, on the other hand, focuses on English in social context, education and culture. The study sample consisted of 30 UKM undergraduates.
A questionnaire as survey instrument was used for data collection. The results of this brief study showed that majority of the students have high motivation and positive attitudes towards the learning of English as a second language.

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