Keywords
Attitude, College Students, English Learners, Motivation, Haryana
Abstract
English today is far more than a subject studied in school or college; it is a passage to opportunity, self-confidence and global connection. In India, where countless languages coexist, English often becomes the common ground, especially for young people in search for education and careers. This study explores the attitudes and motivation of college students in Haryana towards learning English, focusing on how these factors shape their engagement and aspirations. Surveying 445 students from three districts, the research reveals that learners generally hold a strong and positive outlook towards English. Many express a genuine desire to master the language, putting in extra effort beyond classrooms—whether through reading, speaking or getting exposed to English media. Motivation emerges as both intrinsic, such as self-development and personal growth and extrinsic, tied to employability, social respect, and global communication. Interestingly, female students consistently show stronger enthusiasm and commitment than their male counterparts, while urban-rural differences are less pronounced, highlighting English as a shared aspiration across the region. The findings underscore that English is not merely an academic requirement; it is deeply woven into the students’ vision of success, identity and mobility. Attitude and motivation together act as powerful drivers, transforming language learning into a pathway for personal empowerment and future opportunities.
