Social attitudes of the Russian students towards informal learning of the English language (based on Ogarev Mordovia State University survey)

The paper is based on data of sociological survey of students at Ogarev Mordovia State University, who study the English language within the limits of programmes of further education or with tutors with purpose of revealing social attitudes of students on studying of English language beyond the basic educational programmes. The article discusses the motives of Russian students in learning the English language, analyzes the factors, which form the social preferences and motives among students of Ogarev Mordovia State University, who study the English language apart from the core curriculum, social expectations pertaining to prospects of application of English language in professional work of graduates. Also the article formulates the practical recommendations on improvement of quality of language training in the system of the higher education.