STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ENGLISH SPEAKING CONFIDENCE IN A MULTINATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: INDONESIAN AND MALAYSIAN LEARNERS IN MADINAH

Abstract

Speaking confidence is a crucial element influenced by educational background and environmental factors. This study aims to synthesize perceptions of English-speaking confidence among Indonesian and Malaysian students at the Tahfidz Annor Bakti Foundation in Madinah (aged 12-25). Using qualitative methods through a thematic narrative approach, this study explores how the multinational dynamics in Madinah and international travel to Kuwait and Turkey serve as unstructured language laboratories. The findings indicate a "confidence gap" where Malaysian students benefit from ESL status, while Indonesian students face vocabulary barriers and language anxiety (EFL). However, practical needs in the Medina market and interactions at the Prophet's Mosque prompted the use of "Survival English," which effectively increased speaking confidence. This study concludes that the discipline of tahfidz does not hinder language acquisition but rather supports the integration of English as a functional communication tool.