Causes of limited English proficiency in Malaysia
Several studies have attempted to identify the possible factors that result in low English literacy attainment among Malaysian learners. Table 1 presents a summary of the factors. Though these causes cannot be generalized to all learners, it does represent a majority of the learners. The overall picture is discouraging and is indicative of the need to change the ways in which English language literacy is taught to Malaysian learners. In learning a second language or a foreign language, research has established that it is utmost important that learners receive maximum support in terms of supportive and conducive learning environment as well as adequate, meaningful language experience. As shown in Table 1, these elements are currently lacking in our education system.
Table 1: Causes of limited English proficiency among Malaysian learners
English is viewed as a difficult subject to learn.
Learners depend on the English teachers as authorities.
English is used only to answer teacher’s questions and spoken during English class.
Learners tend to depend heavily on translation and dictionary use to find meanings.
There is a lack of support to use English in the home environment and the community.
Learners are found to have limited vocabulary as English reading materials are not always available.
Learners display unwillingness and lack of motivation to learn English as they do not see the immediate need to use the language.
Learners have inadequate or insufficient exposure to the language as there is a limited opportunity to use English outside the classrooms.
English is not perceived as an important medium for communication as they use Bahasa Malaysia both for academic and personal interactions.
Learners express unwillingness and high anxiety to use English to communicate despite acknowledging that English is important for their future.
There is a mismatched between policy and practice in the Malaysian ELT curriculum; the policy as envisaged in the school curriculum cannot be fully implemented in schools because of the over-riding concern for examination.