Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

English is without a doubt the universal language. It is the world’s third largest

native language that has over 360 million speakers and growing, topped by Mandarin and

Spanish. Although it is on the third spot, scholars believe that it is the most influential

language, being use as the official language of over 70 countries. One of the reasons why

it became universal, as per statistics, it said that English language is one of the easiest

language to learn compared to Mandarin, German, French, and even Spanish. It is also

inevitable to learn this language because it is the ‘business language’. If a company is

having deals with foreign company, they will use English in communicating with each

other.

Internationally, Philippines is recognized as one of the largest English-speaking

nation with majority of its population having at least some degree of fluency in the

language. It has been an edge for Filipinos that has helped our country’s economy in terms

of outsourcing that surpassed India in 2012. The rate of foreign learners of English in our

country also rise due to relatively affordable but very good quality of English as Second

Language (ESL) programs that is being offered in our country.

 English proficiency is an ability to use English to make and communicate verbally

and even in written task, but knowing lots of words and grammar does not always exhibit

one’s proficiency in the said language. Being an expert in speaking English can open up

doors of opportunities for individuals. This can also be a way for enhancing one’s

confidence. Self-confidence is defined as an individual’s recognition of his own abilities,

loving himself, and being aware of his own emotions (Genctan, 1984; Ozbey, 2004).

Akagunduz (2006) divides self-confidence into two sub-categories as intrinsic self-

confidence and extrinsic self-confidence. He further states that intrinsic self-confidence is

the thoughts and emotions about individuals’ being reconciled or pleased with themselves.

Self-esteem, self-love, self-knowledge, stating concrete aims and positive thinking are the

elements of intrinsic self-confidence. While extrinsic self-confidence are the behaviour and

attitudes towards other.

Nowadays, most of us feared to be talked in English by a tourist passing by and

even the students are afraid to participate at school when it is required to speak in English.

“Ayaw kong sumagot, hindi ko alam kung paano sasabihin in English”, the most reason a

student say when he is asked why do not he participate. This is just a common situation

that explains the relationship between proficiency in English and self-confidence.

“A lack of confidence can have a dramatic effect on your career. It will keep you

in your comfort zone because that’s where you feel safe with little risk of failure. You risk

of losing your motivation and it undermines your self-esteem overtime”, (Forbes Media

LLC, 2017). The level of self-confidence can affect how a person think and act. Though
it does not mean that a person with self-confidence can do everything, it can help an

individual to make expectations that are realistic.

Likewise, it does also affect learning skills of a person in a similar manner. Self-

confidence plays an important role in academic success. Decades of research support the

notion that believing in your ability to do something enhances your ability to accomplish

it. Confidence has been the best predictor of academic achievements according to a 2012

study called “Confidence: A better predictor of academic achievements than self-efficacy,

self-concept and anxiety?”

Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate if being proficient in the universal

language have direct effect on a person’s confidence. As per references included in this

study, confidence greatly affect the way we think and act. In this way, readers can gain a

better understanding on the importance of English proficiency on enhancing their self-

confidence and live a better life.

Research Locale

The research will be conducted in J.P. Rizal St., Barangay San Vicente East,

Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro specifically in Oriental Mindoro National High School

during the Academic Year 2019-2020. Oriental Mindoro National High School (OMNHS)

is the flagship campus and the largest public high school in Oriental Mindoro, formerly

named Oriental Mindoro High School and Jose J. Leido, Jr. Memorial National High

School. This school is known for its excellent performance in the field of academics and

has won many competitions in national level and even in abroad.

 The respondents will be interviewed at their respective classrooms during their free

hours.
Theoretical Framework

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to gain a wider understanding on how proficiency in

English can help on enhancing a person’s self-confidence.

This study aims to answer the following questions:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Assumption of the Study

This study is anchored on the assumption that people who are proficient in English
language have higher level of confidence than those who are poor English speaker.

Scope and Limitation

In general, this study is focused on English proficiency as a tool for uplifting

a person’s self-confidence. Grade 12 GAS students will be the target respondents of the

survey to be conducted.
 The researchers will conduct necessary tests, surveys and interviews to get the

respondent’s honest response. Each respondents will be given the same questionnaires to

answer. And this study will only focus on the current Grade 12 GAS students of OMNHS

of the present school year, 2019–2020.