Original title:
The English Language performance of ‘Orang Asli’ pupils at primary level in Malaysia: an extensive case study of a Malaysian state
Authors:
Zuraihan Abd Kassim & Airil Haimi Mohd Adnan
BEd TESL programme & UfoRIA UiTM
Perak, Malaysia
Abstract:
English has long been an important subject in Malaysian schools. In fact, the Ministry of Education has recently introduced a new syllabus for Mathematics and Science subjects to be taught in English. Unfortunately, learning a second language is not an easy task as the learner needs to be receptive, responsive and know the value of the language. Certain factors also influence the learner’s capability in acquiring English: attitudes and motivation are some of them. This empirical study examines the performance of ‘Orang Asli’ students in the English language as related to the above factors. This research is the result of our frustration in trying to upgrade the level of English among Orang Asli students. We also wanted to know whether the problems faced by English teachers (in teaching this group of students) are similar across different contexts and situations. In order to limit the scope of this research, we have chosen two language skills namely reading and writing, to explore the complex issues that we have highlighted above. Our efforts were primarily focused on students’ performance in these two language skills, as both skills are important for students to acquire English as a whole. We also felt that these two language skills are the most problematic areas in the learning and teaching of English to the Orang Asli. Nevertheless, our research could not deny other factors that also affect learning abilities namely individual personality, family background and students’ feelings towards the language in question. Based on the wealth of data collected from a large number of Orang Asli primary students and