Togolese EFL learner’s attitudes toward learning English language

Abstract

Students have an important role in the continuing changes in teaching theory and methods, and their attitudes are critical in enhancing teaching and learning results. It is claimed that a learner's attitude toward language acquisition directly influences their success or failure in learning a language. The current study aims to investigate learners' attitudes regarding studying English. The purpose of this study is to discover the attitudes of Togolese EFL learners about learning English. The current study is being undertaken with students from two public universities in Togo (University of Lome and University of Kara) as well as some high school students. Thus, (50) students were chosen from various levels [bachelor's students, master's students, high school students] to participate in this research. To collect data for this project, questionnaires were distributed to students online. Data collection took a month. The major findings suggest that students have positive attitudes toward English learning. The findings really show that Togolese students are really motivated to learn English language and they give a great importance to English language. Also, through the findings, we see that most of the learners even believe that English language can help them improve their personality, this is to tell us that they don’t just take English as a simple language but they think is a way for their well-being. All the results from the questionnaire clearly show us how Togolese students seem to give a prestige to English language. This research stated that the participants have positive attitude toward English but however as we mentioned in the Introduction, some students ignore English language from middle school in Togo which later on give them a severe problem for example to pass exam as English language is mandatory from middle school to High school level. We may say as conclusion the fact that this research shows us positive attitudes from participants means at university level, learners become conscious about English language.