Published Paper Details:

This This study investigates secondary students' perceptions of learning difficulties in English in Odisha. English, as a global language, plays a vital role in India's education, yet many learners struggle with its mastery. Using a descriptive survey design, 80 Class IX students from four Odia-medium secondary schools (government and private) in Cuttack district were sampled through a combination of simple random, convenient, and purposive techniques. Data were collected using a validated 45-item Language Difficulty Perception Scale (reliability = 0.85). Findings reveal that most students consider English moderately difficult, with gender significantly influencing perceptions, while school type had no significant effect. The study highlights the need for inclusive and responsive pedagogical approaches to address students' learning difficulties and improve English language instruction. By centering learners' perspectives, the research contributes to both theory and practice in language education in Odisha.