As a second language, English has become the most popular option worldwide; more significantly, it is currently the primary language used for international communication (Rosenhouse & Kowner, 2008, p. 4). The English language’s modern power is seen in many different sectors (Phillipson, 2003, p. 5). It opens doors and facilitates mobility, for it is central to ongoing processes of Europeanisation and globalization (p. 23). According to the ASEAN Documents Series 2014 (2015, page 286), for example, it was specified that “All official communications shall be translated into English.”
The significance of English language has globally accepted, for it overcomes the communication difficulties and enhances more understanding and cooperation among countries internationally. It is obvious that communication, which is the process of exchanging ideas and imparting information (Jacobson, 2009, p. 9), is the essence of social interaction (Hogg & Vaughan, 2011, p. 568) and necessary for today’s life and career skills (Lucas, 2012,p. 5) because the best way to trade the ideas is to communicate (Barker, 2006, p. 8). Hence, one who speaks English well definitely has more chances and potential in today world.
Consequently, it is a chance for all students to become proficient in the English language and be able to speak in it so that they can contribute to their own goals as well as the nation’s progress. In fact, millions of people worldwide put enormous effort into learning English suggests that significant economic advantages assare widely assumed (Hall & Eggington, 2000, p. 10).
Nevertheless, English is not easy to learn since learning challenges are naturally taken place as learners encounter while receiving and producing a language in communication. However, they are either subjectively, objectively or both motivated to accomplish it. For these reasons, a research on learning challenges and motivation towards spoken English skills among TESOL undergraduate students at one of the private Universities in Battambang City, Cambodia, was conducted.
