Motivation and Attitude of the Law Enforcement Agency towards Learning English as a Foreign Language: A Study on Bangladesh Police Sub-Inspectors

Abstract

This study explores the motivations and attitudes of Bangladesh Police Sub-Inspectors in Khulna towards learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) using a mixed-methods approach and Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) theory. Surveying 75 officers and interviewing 10, the research shows officers are primarily motivated by practical benefits such as effective communication, job performance, and career advancement. However, concerns arise as officers’ express low confidence in current EFL proficiency and dissatisfaction with the curriculum. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for tailored EFL programs to meet the unique needs of the police force and highlights the crucial role of social factors in enhancing motivation. Despite positive motivation for EFL learning, a gap in confidence suggests a need for program improvement. Therefore, recognition of English proficiency aligns with competence-focused motivations and challenges assumptions about officers’ attitudes. Identified barriers include officers’ lack of confidence in current English skills and limited self-directed learning engagement, prompting advocacy for practical solutions. In addition, the abstract prioritizes practical benefits, motivations, and concerns of Bangladesh Police Sub-Inspectors in Khulna regarding EFL learning. It underscores the significance of tailored language programs and leveraging social factors for enhanced motivation, contributing to the literature on EFL learning in law enforcement, with implications for policy and practice in effective communication and policing within diverse contexts.