My group had done our presentation on how urban setting could affect
English language. I feel so nervous
during the presentation but I was so happy because I had prepared myself before
the presentation and I had done my best for it. But I had promise myself that I
going to improve myself from time to time.
There are four area that we had
cover which are school, family, media and tuition that can affect English
language urban area. I had present on
how school at urban area could affect English language. Students need to change
their negative attitude towards the learning of English to a positive one.
Attitudinal variables can affect the learning of the second language. Local studies
like Subramaniam’s(1976) shows students in urban areas have a positive attitude
towards English, therefore they can acquire better proficiency of English than
students in rural areas.
Urban students realize English
language as a global language and they have been encouraged to speak English.
We can see that some school had made a duty roster to supervise and regulate
English speaking situations. Announcements in school assemblies are bilingual
(Malay and English for a start). Students at school are encourage to plan their
daily English activities. For example, they have English logbooks to write
their thoughts and feelings. All students have to take turns to compose essays
and poems in English. Notice boards have English compositions, proverbs and new
vocabularies. Grammar quiz, Vocabulary Contest, Spelling bee, English mail,
English sketch, singing and drama, educational trips and visits to English
speaking factories, office and higher institutions are encouraged and other
creative activities.
They take the initiative to lead
and not wait for English teachers to suggest new plans to help them. They are
empowered to organize, plan and implement activities. The school authorities
guide them, not discourage them so that a positive and supportive approach will
help change the current negative attitude towards the learning of English.
Besides, motivation from other
subject teachers and administration is very important and they did not ignore
their students. School administrators always using English books as rewards
like the best staff, best disciplined students and the most diligent teacher so
as to make students aware of the importance of English and hence motivate them
to learn English. So, we can see that most urban students are proficient in
English Language.
