Abstract:
This study outlines the results of a survey which was carried out to identify the motivation and
attitudes of students of English Diploma towards learning English language at the National
Institute of Business Management which is a semi-government institute functioning under the
Ministry of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training and
Kandiyan Heritage. This research addresses an issue which is at the very core of language
learning and teaching. As a result of this research some implications that would help increase
the students’ motivation and attitude which help them achieve their goals could be identified.
The study investigated motivation of the students in terms of three motivational constructs:
instrumental motivation, integrative motivation and personal motivation based on Gardner’s
and Cooper and Fishman’s works. On the other hand, learners’ attitudes regarding the 1)
English language 2) use of language 3) competence 4) continuity and 5) culture of English
language were identified since successful acquisition of a second language seemed to depend
on learner’s views of the language learning environment, how they view the language and its
speakers. A questionnaire and interviews were used for data collection from the sample which
consisted of 60 students. The findings showed the students were motivated to learn English due
to instrumental and utilitarian reasons. Personal reasons were also regarded as important
motivational factors. However, the results provided evidence that learning English to be a part
of the Western culture had the least impact in motivating students to learn English language.
On the other hand, data regarding the students’ attitudes revealed that most of students had
positive attitudes towards the social value and educational status of English. In addition, the
findings showed the students’ positive orientation toward the English language. It is interesting
to note that a high number of students showed their interest in the culture of English speaking
community but did not wish to be a part of their culture
