Challenges in learning a second language: Voices from the Maldives National University

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a study exploring the challenges students encounter in learning a second language at Maldives National University. The study further sought to provide strategies that could be adopted to enhance second language development at this level. A qualitative research methodology was adopted in the collection and analysis of data. Therefore, the main source of data collection was interviews and it included five unstructured interviews with qualified and experienced English Language lecturers and five students who study English as a Second Language. In analyzing the data, framework analysis was employed to identify the factors that hinder the development of second language proficiency in language learners at Maldives National University. Hence, the findings revealed that factors such as belief, language transfer, motivation, intelligence, anxiety, willingness to communicate, age and personality influence second language learning. In addition, instructional strategies that were considered to be useful were highlighted by the participants. The interpretation of results was discussed in light of pedagogical approaches to language teaching that could be implemented by both educators and learners.