LANGUAGE ATTITUDES TOWARD ENGLISH AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

This article examines language attitudes toward English among university students, focusing on their perceptions, motivations, and emotional responses to the language in academic and social contexts. English has become a global lingua franca, playing a crucial role in higher education, professional development, and international communication. As a result, students’ attitudes toward English significantly influence their language learning outcomes and academic success. The study explores whether university students view English as a valuable tool for personal and professional growth or merely as an academic requirement. It also investigates the impact of globalization, media exposure, and institutional policies on shaping these attitudes. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to undergraduate students from various academic disciplines. The findings reveal that most students demonstrate a generally positive attitude toward English, associating it with career opportunities, global mobility, and access to knowledge. However, some negative attitudes persist, mainly due to anxiety, lack of confidence, and limited exposure to authentic language use. The article highlights the importance of supportive learning environments and effective teaching strategies in fostering positive language attitudes. Understanding students’ attitudes toward English can help educators and policymakers design more effective language programs that enhance motivation, reduce language anxiety, and promote successful language acquisition in higher education settings.