Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and the motivation of first-year students of the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering towards learning the professional English language. In any task, especially one as complex and demanding as learning a professional foreign language, motivation is an important factor. The Faculty is currently undergoing a change in programmes and is reviewing its decision to keep English language learning at the first year level as well as to increase the numbers of hours weekly spent learning English. Therefore, it was interesting to determine the students' view on the importance of learning a professional foreign language, the number of hours that they would like to see dedicated to the study of language and their reasons for deciding to study the English language as it refers to their chosen profession. The method used for data collection was a questionnaire. The study revealed that students' attitudes towards learning English for professional purposes was overwhelmingly positive, that they are very motivated to continue their study. Although they recognize the importance of learning a professional foreign language for the betterment of their careers (instrumental motivation), it was surprising to learn that a great number of students also see these lessons as a way of improving themselves, adding to their general knowledge and advancing their personal culture (intrinsic motivation). The students have also said that they believe that English should be studied not only in their first year of study but also later, throughout their Faculty education.

Keywords:

English for professional purposes, instrumental motivation, intrinsic motivation, learners' attitudes.