Abstract
English being the offi cial language is a source of prestige and necessary for
recognition in Pakistan. Research studies usually debate the positive and negative
infl uence of English on students in developing countries. However, the concept of
desire attached with acquiring English is a less explored area. The present study
attempts to understand the desire of Pakistani students majoring in English, for
understanding their meaning-making for selecting English as their major. Using
qualitative method, the data were collected through interviews, focus groups and
mind-maps of students. The study participants were undergraduate students in a
public university in the capital city Islamabad. The data were recorded, transcribed
and coded using constructivist grounded theory for obtaining themes. The fi ndings
revealed that the youth’s association with English language is not just for gaining
prestige; rather, they share deeper affi liations with includes a desire for acquiring
the native persona, attaining global solidarity and achieving communicative
competence. The attached desire with English language and its literature can have
positive effect on students’ motivation to excel in their studies; however, unrealistic
desires can harm students. The fi ndings of the study hence, add to improvement in
English language instruction and understanding of desires among the students.
Sham Haidar, Fizza Farrukh, Shazia Riaz Dar. (2019) Desire for English in Youth: An Exploratory Study of Language Learners in a Developing Country, Journal of Education and Educational Development, Volume 6, 6.2.
-
Views
497 -
Downloads
53
Article Details
Volume
Issue
Type
Language
