Students’ Attitudes toward English Proficiency and its Role in Academic Achievement: A Qualitative Study at Thi‑Qar University

English language functions as a medium of instruction in some educational settings in Iraq. This study focuses on students’ attitudes toward English language proficiency and their perceptions of its impact on academic achievement at Thi‑Qar University. Interviews were conducted with ۱۵ students to explore students’ experiences and challenges. Results showed that students believe that English skills would positively affect their academic performance. However, many participants reported difficulties in speaking and in understanding lectures and academic materials in English; ۸۶.۶% of interviewees perceived speaking as their weakest skill, whereas ۸۰% considered reading their strongest skill. The findings highlight a gap between students’ recognition of the importance of English and their limited productive abilities, suggesting the need for pedagogical interventions that prioritize communicative competence and academic literacy in Iraqi higher education.

کلیدواژه ها:

English proficiency ، students’ attitudes ، academic achievement ، language skills ، Iraq ، Thi‑Qar University