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Exploring challenges in learning English as a foreign language in Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Maliha Maleque
Bachelor of Arts in English, FASS
Sadia Basir
Bachelor of Arts in English, FASS
Nurtazzaman Oishi
Bachelor of Arts in English, FASS
Sumiya Zannat
Bachelor of Arts in English, FASS
Manarat Hasan Hridi
Bachelor of Arts in English, FASS
Supervisors
Dr. Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj
Associate Professor, Faculty, FASS

Abstract

Exploring challenges in learning English as a foreign language in Bangladesh English has come to be regarded as an important language in today's globalized world. Still, learners in Bangladesh have to overcome many challenges in mastering English as a foreign language. Existing teaching methods, policies, and socio-cultural barriers have become serious obstacles to effective learning of a language. This study aims to identify the main challenges that university students of Bangladesh face in learning English. A structured survey with 303 respondents, who were mainly second-year undergraduate learners, has been conducted. Quantitative data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS to illuminate trends and identify areas of concern. The results reveal that grammar-oriented lessons tend to dominate the classroom settings. A teacher-centred approach limits interaction, which is assumed to increase the possibility of practice. Combined, these mean there are too few opportunities for practising, and scarce efforts go into developing skills. In the face of these problems, larger class sizes, lack of time support and time pressures compound such obstacles. Participants emphasized the need for practical and communicative learning approaches over traditional methods. To address these issues, the study recommends reforming English language policies, incorporating communicative and interactive teaching methods and improving teacher training programs. These changes, combined with enhanced resources and technology integration, could significantly improve English education in Bangladesh.

Keywords

English language learning challenges socio-cultural barriers language policies quantitative research second language learning education reform

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: 2nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION 2025
  • Date of Conference: 24/09/2025 - 24/09/2025
  • Venue: Hybride
  • Organizer: INTI International University, Malaysia