Problems in speaking English language and learning strategies employed in coping with the hesitancy: A case study of first semester students at MARA university of technology (UiTM) Sarawak / Josephine Freni Affrin

It has been acknowledged that English is the second most important language learned in schools in Malaysia. In academics, oral communication skills not only provide opportunities for students to practise and develop important communicative skills; these skills are also widely conversed in the attempt of improving themselves in the language. In higher education, these second language learners still face problems in the language mastery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the problems pertaining learning English language and the learning strategies used as resolutions to reach the target goal by 134 first semester students at MARA University of Technology (UiTM) Sarawak. The study employed a survey design which involved administering questionnaires of five-point Likert scales ranging from 1 - 5, by adopting Rebecca Oxford's (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). Semi-constructed interview was also conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the problems and the suitable learning strategies used by the students. The study revealed that the major problems faced by these students are; the lack of vocabulary, the low understanding of grammatical structure, confusion in using the correct usage of words, wrong pronunciation, the lack of confidence and less exposure to the English language. It was reported that cognitive strategies were the most frequently used. These strategies include manipulation or transformation of the language through reasoning, analysis, note taking, functional practice in naturalistic setting, as well as formal practice with structures and sounds. Keywords: English Language Problems and Learning Strategies.