Maithili learners’ experiences towards learning English

Abstract

This research entitled Maithili Learners’ Experiences towards Learning English was an attempt to explore the experiences of Maithili speaking learners of English language. Moreover, it also aimed to investigate the reasons behind learning English language of Maithili speaking learners. The population was Maithili learners who were involved in learning English of Saptari District. To fulfill my objectives, I selected five Maithili speaking learners of Saptari District purposively. I have adopted narrative inquiry as the research design. I collected data through in-depth interviews through semi- structured questions. Thematic approach was used to analyze the collected data. According to the objectives of the study the interpreted data was divided into three themes i.e. reasons behind learning English and supportive or hindering experiences of learning English. From the obtained data it was found that Maithili speakers are learning English to get better job opportunities at any companies or in any fields. They are also learning English for higher studies. Moreover, to communicate internationally and to own high social status in their community they are learning English. They are motivated intrinsically to learn the language because they get positive response or moral support from their parents. However, they have to experience some hindering factors like; teachers’ and students’ irregularity, use of mother tongue in the classrooms and political influences are some of the unfavorable learning situations. Additionally, less input and poor teaching strategies are also major obstacles for smooth English language learning. The present study consists of five different chapters. Chapter one is an introductory chapter. It includes background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations of the study and operational definitions of the key terms. Likewise, chapter two deals with review of the related theoretical literature, review of the related empirical literature, implications of the review for the study and conceptual framework. Chapter three includes design of the study, population, sample and sampling strategy, research tools, sources of data, data collection procedures, ethical considerations. Similarly, Chapter four presents the analysis of the data and interpretation of the result. Finally, the last chapter involves conclusion and recommendations followed by the references and appendices.