Exploring Language Attitudes of Undergraduate English Language Learners towards Sindhi (L1) and English (L2)

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate the language attitudes of undergraduate English language learners (ELLs) towards Sindhi (their mother tongue) and English language which were affected through dominant discourse of language policy. The participants for the current study were selected from the Institute of English language and Literature, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. The study used semi structured interviews in order to collect the in-depth data about language attitudes of students towards Sindhi and English language. The researcher used purposive sampling, total number of the participants considered in the study were (n=10). Thematic analysis was used for analysisng the data of the study. The findings of the study revealed that undergraduate English language learners (ELLs) have more positive attitudes towards English language than Sindhi language (their mother tongue). The participants perceived that their personalities are grooming. They are being encouraged and considered educated when they speak English language. On the other hand talking about language attitudes towards Sindhi language participants shared that they don’t feel any change in their personalities. They are discouraged to speak Sindhi language and considered as less hard working and less intelligent when they speak Sindhi language.

Keywords: Language attitude, English language learners, Sindhi, English, language policy.

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/95-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2023