Student Attitudes Towards the Target Language as a Means of Communication

Abstract

In second language teaching where English is used as a means of communication, many difficultiesare inevitable. Mainly, students’ participation is lacking. On the contrary, if L1 is used, there is moreinteraction in the class. It seems that students realize the advantages of L2 but prefer L1. This article aimsto investigate students’ attitudes towards the use of English as a means of communication in the class. Italso concerns problems with teachers’ use of English, and students’ suggestions. The participants were 183mixed-ability students who enrolled in compulsory English courses at KMUTT. The findings show that thestudents had positive attitudes towards L2 use. Nevertheless, L1 was also needed to some extent.