English Language Attitude: A Survey of University Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

English, as an associated official language and the language of regulatory and instrumental functions, is considered prestigious in Pakistan. The prestige it has influenced the attitude of its users, thus affecting the local languages in Pakistan. This research has explored the attitude attached to English by Pashto speakers and identified the role of the English language in the daily lives of people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By adopting a quantitative research method, data for the study was collected through an online closed-ended questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. The obtained responses of all questions were analyzed through SPSS. The findings of the study have revealed that Pashto speakers have adopted a positive attitude towards the English language, thus find it attractive to use the English language in society because it makes an individual sophisticated and a member of a high social status. A person is seen as educated when he uses the English language in Pashto society because English is associated with education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Keywords: Language attitude; Pashto Speakers; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Quantitative Research