Learners’ attitudes and ideologies towards English : implications for the teaching and learning of English in Malta

Abstract

The study investigates the attitudes and ideologies held by adults and children towards English in Malta. Questionnaires were distributed to parents (N= 202) and children (N=357), coming from three school sectors (state, church and independent schools). Four age groups were targeted: adults, 14- to 15-year-olds, 11- to 12-year-olds and 8- to 9-year-olds. The self- reports of language use illustrate that Maltese is the prevalent language used in the home domain. Five constructs emerged from the exploratory factor analysis of the language attitude questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses revealed that language spoken to mother and at school are the most influential predictor variables across all language attitude constructs. The data showed that school sector and age group have a significant effect on most language attitude constructs. The findings make an important contribution by highlighting the role of the languages spoken at home, particularly by the mother, in the development of language attitudes. It also illustrates ways in which language attitudes are shaped by age and school sector in Malta. Such factors should be considered in the teaching of English in Malta, in a context where learners are in contact with English not only at school, but also in their everyday lives.