Demotivating Factors in the Arabic Language Clasroom: What Demotivates non-Muslim Malaysian Learners when it Comes to Learning Arabic?

摘要

The objective of this study is to investigate the demotivating factors associated with learning Arabic as a Foreign Language (FL) on the part of non-Muslim Malaysian learners. The data were obtained from an open-ended questionnaire distributed to 207 students learning the Arabic language at a public university in Malaysia and from semi-structured interviews with twenty respondents. Using qualitative data analysis, nine demotivational factors were identified, namely (1) subject-related factors; (2) teacher-related factors; (3) class-related factors; (4) negative attitudes towards the FL; (5) course materials and learning content; (6) the compulsory nature of the Arabic course; (7) time constraints; (8) lack of opportunities to communicate in Arabic; (9) lack of ability. It is hoped that by understanding the factors that demotivate learners of Arabic, teachers can improve the process ofteaching and learning the Arabic language, and try to avoid pitfalls in order to enhance learners’ motivation towards learning Arabic.