ESL Learning in a CLD Community : Reflections of Indians Students

Abstract

Like many other methodological languages, English as a Second language (ESL) has been applied to many Indian students. However, little research has been done to explore the motivations, challenges, and strategies in learning English as a Second Language (ESL) of the Indian students in Davao City. This paper looked at the experiences of Indian students who study here in Davao City, specifically on their challenges in the use of English as a Second language (ESL) in a culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) community. Ten randomly selected Indians were interviewed to elicit information about their language learning experiences. Results show that variations in pronunciation and accent were one of their challenges in ESL learning. Also, it was found out that the use of English as a lingua franca and as a tool for communication and relation is their primary motivation why they are eager to learn the target language. The participants also expressed that formal, informal, and experiential ways of learning were their strategies in learning the English language in a CLD community. With these findings, it is highly recommended that schools with foreign students craft a program that may help them in their ESL learning.