INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 9, ISSUE 02, FEBRUARY 2020 ISSN 2277-8616 1816 IJSTR©2020 www.ijstr.org Challenges Faced By L2 Learners In Learning English Language In Technical Institutions Dr. J. Rajini , Dr. V. Krishnamoorthy Abstract : The aim of this study is to identify the challenges faced by L2 learners in learning English Language. This study was conducted among students studying in Technical Institutions in Erode District, Tamil Nadu State. The researchers collected the data by administering structured questionnaire method. Systematic sampling method was also employed by the researchers to collect the data. This study was conducted from January 2019 to September 2019. The researchers used statistical techniques like Factor analysis, Multiple regression, Cronbach alpha for data analysis. This study identified seven important dimensions of difficulties faced by L2 learners in learning English Language. They are: Grammar, Vocabulary Knowledge, Fluency, Pronunciation, Comprehension, Mother Tongue Influence and Anxiety. Among the identified dimensions the study found that there are significant impacts on Pronunciation, Comprehension, Mother Tongue Influence and Anxiety. Furthermore, the results revealed that there are no significant impacts on Grammar, Vocabulary Knowledge and Fluency. Mother Tongue Influence had the highest mean score (3.77) and it was the highly perceived problem dimension among engineering students learning English as the second Language. Keywords: Anxiety, Comprehension, Fluency, Grammar, Influence, Language, Pronunciation, Vocabulary. —————————— ◆ —————————— 1. INTRODUCTION English is considered as the language of business and also the language preferred by most of the educationalists across the globe. In the recent years, English has become a language of communication and instruction in the field of higher education globally (Chen and Kraklow, 2015). Undoubtedly, mastering English has numerous advantages to students, educators, civil servants, and professionals worldwide, irrespective of ethnic background or nationality (Okoro 2010). However, Learning English as a second language is quite challenging especially in a country where English is not spoken as the first language. Learning English is considered to be a tough task particularly at the beginning of the academic study among the non-native speakers (Berman and Cheng 2001). In most of the cases, Learning Environment, Cultural differences, Influence of the vernacular language can be barriers for a learner to learn a second language. Though studies prove that learning a new language is very good for the function of the brain, many learners find it very challenging to become proficient in learning a second language. These learners are referred to as L2 learners. The difficulty in learning begins as the L2 learners have to rely on their native language in order to learn a new language. They must apply the required knowledge only from their native language. So the language learners obviously face many obstacles in learning because of the negative influence of the mother tongue. This results in inappropriate understanding of a new language especially in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and so on. However in the current scenario, learning English as a second language becomes very essential for the students of Engineering Colleges. Most of the technical terms associated with engineering programme are well defined only in English language. Hence it becomes unavoidable for the learners to learn English as a second language when they opt to pursue a technical course. Krashen and et al., (1979) believes that the younger age acquirers are better at second language acquisition. But even such young learners studying in Engineering colleges find it quite challenging. They fail miserably to express their ideas clearly and speak fluently and flawlessly in English. Khan, T. J., & Khan, N. (2016) points out that the learners of English face many obstacles in learning English as a second language and though they desire to achieve competency over the language they cannot remove the hurdles in way of their progress. The reasons for such a failure are that the learners are from varied social backgrounds and they study in different institutions up to their higher secondary education. And some of these learners learn all their subjects only in their vernacular language. The current research seeks to examine the various difficulty dimensions of learning English as a second language by the entry level L2 learners in Engineering Colleges. Secondly, the influence of various dimensions of learning English as a second language is identified. This study explores the perception of difficulties faced by L2 learners in learning English Language. This paper is organized as follows: The first section presents the background of the study, followed by the methodology and conclusion. The final section of this paper discusses limitations and scope for further study. 2. BACK GROUND OF THE STUDY Christopher Bergmann and et al., (2015) identified that speaking a second language (L2) is a challenging task and that who call themselves ‘fluent’ in the L2 may also at times find unsure about the usage of grammar or at a loss for the right words. The most obvious reason for this lack of fluency is due to lack of proficiency, and insufficient knowledge of the L2 and insufficient practise in using it.Thirumalai (2002) found that pronunciation is an essential component of speaking skill and it should be somewhat similar to native performance if not so much identical to that of the native speakers. Bowen et al., (1985) identified that it is possible to communicate one’s intent without elegant pronunciation. However, such communication would be inadequate or could even lead to miscommunication. Carrió-Pastor and Vallés (2015) conducted a study to analyze the motivation of students when they are taught a foreign language using different methodologies and _________________________________ • Dr. J. Rajini, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kongu Engineering College, Erode- 638060, Tamil Nadu. rajinimoorthydd@gmail.com. • Dr. V. Krishnamoorthy, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, Kongu Engineering College, Erode - 638060, Tamil Nadu. krishnamoorthydd@gmail.com.