English Language Journal Vol 4, (2011) 1-16 ISSN 1823 6820

Challenges and Expectations of Selected Malay ESL Learners Learning English In A Malay Community Environment: A Case Study in One of the Public Universities in Malaysia
Budiman Sabri Ahmad UiTM Penang

Abstract The objective of this study is to probe into the perceived belief of a group of selected Malay ESL learners on the challenges and expectations of learning English in a Malay community environment. The respondents were 40 semester one Malay ESL learners. The methods used were a written open-ended question and a semi-formal interview. The results revealed that most respondents expressed: other than their English class and English lecturers there was minor support in terms of opportunity for them to practice the language that would enable them to improve their English proficiency. The researcher concluded that the university management should discuss with the English department to organize relevant programs for the learners to enhance their learning of English; and apart from that, the other community members of the university such as staff and other non-English lecturers should also be given periodical awareness and ongoing courses to enable and acculturate them to use English when dealing with students so that they can play their part in contributing not only to help students to practice English but also for the university to achieve its aspiration as a world class university which no doubt need English to attract and deal with the international students. In this way ESL learners would have opportunities for more meaningful use of the language which they learn in the English classrooms. This in turn would also boost and motivate them to communicate in English not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom which is crucial for language acquisition (Oxford, 1990). Keywords Challenges, Expectations, Malay ESL learners, Malay Community Environment
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