Sikap Bahasa Siswa SMP Hikmatul Fadhillah Medan terhadap Bahasa Inggris

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the language attitudes of students at SMP Hikmatul Fadhillah Medan toward English based on the components of attitude and the factors influencing them. Data were collected from 28 eighth-grade students selected from four different classes, with seven students randomly chosen using a random sampling technique. The selection process involved input from teachers as informants, identifying students with relatively better English proficiency through classroom observation. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method, with data gathered through observation and interviews using the interactive model proposed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The findings indicate that students generally possess a positive attitude toward English. Cognitively, they recognize the importance of English for future opportunities such as education, careers, and global access to information. Affectively, they perceive English proficiency as a source of pride. Conatively, they exhibit strong motivation to improve their English skills and frequently use the language, supported by school regulations. However, despite the overall positive tendency, some students also experience negative emotions, such as anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, especially when dealing with grammatical challenges. These varied responses highlight the complexity of students' attitudes toward learning English. The influencing factors include both internal and external elements.