Second language anxiety among diploma students in Technical University (Universiti Malaysia Perlis)

Abstract

English is the most prevailing used language in this infinite boundaries era. It is a popularly conceived key to the acquisition of academic knowledge, access to the worldwide trade and the instrument to the abundant, diverse information on the Internet. In Malaysia, English stands as one of the most widely used language especially in the urban areas in addition to its status as the second language of the nation. It is a compulsory subject starting in the primary schools up to the higher learning institutions. The score in English examination would also serve as a key determiner in deciding pursuing studies. Students need to get a credit in their SPM (High School Certificate) and at least a score of band two in MUET (Malaysian University English Test) for them to enroll in a degree program. Moreover, for global competitiveness, more companies and job requirements place an emphasis in having graduates with a certain level of competency in English language. Therefore, due to the ever increasing demand on English proficiency, there is a need to delve into the factors that affect language learning and from that point it is perhaps clearer understanding and implications could serve beneficially for both the learners as well as educators.