The importance of foreign language competence among students increasingly becomes the focus of the community. The School of Education, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, foreign language classes compulsory for all students. However, not much empirical evidence to explain the real factors of a student registering for Foreign Language (Tamil) classes. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the motivating factors that encourage school students enrolled for the subject Foreign Language Tamil. There are two sub-studies. The study I conducted on 96 students found that one-third (32%) of the respondents said that students will not be enrolled Tamil class subject if the subject is not required. Meanwhile, a second study conducted on 87 students found the main motivating factor is the ability to communicate respondents want to use Tamil. Overall, the level of students' motivation to learn a foreign language Tamil class was at a moderate level. The findings of this study imply that the element of motivation should be given attention so that students can learn foreign languages effectively.
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