The reading preferences of Grade 11 ESL learners in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This survey investigates learners' reading preferences in selected Eastern Cape secondary schools where English is taught as a second language. It seeks to understand the reading patterns and interests of Grade 11 learners. Focus group interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data over a period of six weeks. Participants included all Grade 11 learners from eight Grahamstown secondary schools where English is taught as a second language. Data were analysed using Biomedical Data Programme Statistical Software (BMDP). Chi-square (X²) tests were used to determine significant differences in the groups (i.e. school effect, gender effect, language effect, etc.). The data suggest three features ESL Grade 11 learners: 1) they do have preferred reading material; 2) they have preferred authors; and 3) they have a preferred language they read in. Differential access to reading materials proved to be a material factor.

Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 2006, 24(2): 175–190