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Abstract

This study has been conducted in fourteen 4th graders’ classrooms in Turkish curriculum laboratory elementary schools in seven cities of Turkey during the academic year 2006-2007 in order to find out young language learners’ attitudes towards English and English lessons in Turkish elementary schools. To determine young language learners’ attitudes towards English language inside and outside the classroom, two questionnaires have been developed. The findings of the study have revealed that the pupils seem to have developed positive attitudes towards English language skills and sub skills, materials, the course book, and activities. It has been found out that the attitudes of the pupils change significantly according to language skills and learning environment. There is not a significant difference in the attitudes of pupils towards English according to gender.

Keywords

• Young language learners, language attitude, language skills, second language acquisition, EFL

Turkish Young Language Learners' Attitudes Towards English

Abstract

Bu çalışma 2006-2007 akademik yılında, Türkiye’de ilköğretim okullarındaki öğrencilerin İngilizceye ve İngilizce derslerine karşı olan tutumlarını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışma, ilköğretim birinci kademede İngilizceye yeni başlayan 4. sınıf öğrencileri ile sınırlı tutulmuştur. 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin İngilizceye ve İngilizce derslerine karşı olan tutumlarını belirlemek için iki sormaca geliştirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler, 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin büyük bir bölümünün İngilizce dil becerilerine, ders araç-gereçlerine ve etkinliklere karşı tutumlarının olumlu olduğunu ve öğrencilerin İngilizceye karşı olan tutumlarının becerilere ve öğrenme ortamına göre farklılık gösterdiği göstermiştir. Cinsiyetler açısından öğrencilerin dil tutumları arasında anlamlı farklılık bulunmamıştır.

Keywords

• İlköğretim okulları, İngilizce dersleri, tutum, dil becerileri, ilköğretim öğrencileri

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