Abstract

This research addressed the second language (L2) learning beliefs of the students at the National University of Malaysia, who took English proficiency courses offered by one of the university’s faculties. This investigation examined the students’ beliefs in terms of the: (i) nature of second language learning, (ii) difficulty of second language learning, and (iii) second language learning aptitude. Survey questionnaires that were issued to the subjects were adapted from Horwitz’s (1987) Language Learning Beliefs Inventory. An SPSS program was used to process the data in which frequency analysis was performed to examine the students’ responses. The results showed variation in responses with regards to the subjects’ beliefs about L2 learning. The findings provide useful insights to educators about the students’ beliefs which guide their behaviour, of which these beliefs could impact their learning outcomes.