JAWARIA LIAQAT , SABA HANIF , MASOOMA KAZAM , AQSA IQBAL
DOI: https://doi.org/Language serves as a means of exchanging ideas, feelings, and thoughts; therefore, it is crucial to human existence. The present examined the impact of language learning barriers on students’ English language proficiency at the secondary level. English language proficiency is students’ ability to use and understand the English language which is measured through a multiple-choice question-based test in this study. English language learning barriers are measured on four main factors; students’ motivation, ineffective teaching, exposure to the English language, and lack of opportunities to use the English language. A quantitative method was used, in which quantitative data were collected and analyzed. The current study's population consisted of public and private secondary school students. The study's sample was comprised of secondary school students (male and female). A total of 360 students were chosen randomly. The second aim of the study was to compare the English language competence of students in public and private schools as well as English language competence across gender. The current study found no significant difference between the English language competence of male and female students and students from public and private schools. However, the study found a significant but low effect of English language barriers on students’ English language competence. Implications of the study are discussed.
