Search results

1

Gender-dependent language anxiety in Polish communication apprehensives

100%

Piechurska-Kuciel E.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2012

|

vol. 2

|

issue 2

227-248

EN

This paper analyzes the relationship between communication apprehension and language anxiety from the perspective of gender. As virtually no empirical studies have addressed the explicit influence of gender on language anxiety in communication apprehensives, this paper proposes that females are generally more sensitive to anxiety, as reflected in various spheres of communication. For this reason, language anxiety levels in communication apprehensive females should be higher, unlike those of communication apprehensive males. Comparisons between them were made using a student t test, two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey test. The results revealed that Polish communication apprehensive secondary grammar school males and females do not differ in their levels of language anxiety, although nonapprehensive males experience significantly lower language anxiety than their female peers. It is argued that the finding can be attributed to developmental patterns, gender socialization processes, classroom practices, and the uniqueness of the FL learning process, which is a stereotypically female domain.

2

Foreign language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence

100%

Szyszka M.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2011

|

vol. 1

|

issue 2

283-300

EN

In foreign language learning a negative correlation has been reported be-tween language anxiety and both oral performance (Liu, 2006; Stephenson Wilson, 2006; Woodrow 2006) and self-perceived levels of speaking ability (Kitano, 2001; MacIntyre, Noels, & Clement, 1997; Piechurska-Kuciel, 2008). However, little is known about the relationship between language anxiety and the way students perceive their own competence regarding one of the integral components of oral performance – pronunciation. The present study is an attempt to investigate the link between foreign language anxiety and the self-perceived levels of pronunciation of 48 teacher training college students, who study English as a foreign language. A negative correlation, r = -.54 (p < .05), was found between the level of their language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence, indicating that more apprehensive teacher trainees perceived their pronunciation as poor, whereas those with lower levels of anxiety declared higher pronunciation competence. Moreover, statistically significant negative correlations were noted between the levels of anxiety and self-perceived competences of several suprasegmental aspects of pronunciation, such as word pronunciation, stress, weak forms, rhythm, linking, and assimilation. The teacher trainees who rated their competence of these suprasegmentals more highly experienced lower levels of foreign language anxiety. The perception of segmentals, however, appeared to be unconnected with the participants’ anxiety.

3

Mindfulness: jak oswoić lęk językowy studentów języków obcych i zachęcić ich do uważnego życia?

100%

Blachowska-Szmigiel M.

Acta Neophilologica

|

2021

|

vol. XXIII/2

103-114

EN

This article focuses on the possibilities of employing mindfulness in order to support a foreign language student in developing the competence to deal with language anxiety and to strengthen a sense of psychological well-being in the face of the contra-dictory challenges of modern times. First, the author describes the difficult situation of a contemporary student of foreign languages who functions in two axiologically contradictory realities: fluid modernity and crystallized university reality. Then the issue of language anxiety is discussed, and finally the author presents the concepts of the mindfulness program in foreign philology.

4

Foreign language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence

100%

Szyszka M.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2011

|

vol. 1

|

issue 2

283-300

EN

In foreign language learning a negative correlation has been reported be-tween language anxiety and both oral performance (Liu, 2006; Stephenson Wilson, 2006; Woodrow 2006) and self-perceived levels of speaking ability (Kitano, 2001; MacIntyre, Noels, & Clement, 1997; Piechurska-Kuciel, 2008). However, little is known about the relationship between language anxiety and the way students perceive their own competence regarding one of the integral components of oral performance – pronunciation. The present study is an attempt to investigate the link between foreign language anxiety and the self-perceived levels of pronunciation of 48 teacher training college students, who study English as a foreign language. A negative correlation, r = -.54 (p < .05), was found between the level of their language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence, indicating that more apprehensive teacher trainees perceived their pronunciation as poor, whereas those with lower levels of anxiety declared higher pronunciation competence. Moreover, statistically significant negative correlations were noted between the levels of anxiety and self-perceived competences of several suprasegmental aspects of pronunciation, such as word pronunciation, stress, weak forms, rhythm, linking, and assimilation. The teacher trainees who rated their competence of these suprasegmentals more highly experienced lower levels of foreign language anxiety. The perception of segmentals, however, appeared to be unconnected with the participants’ anxiety.

5

Gender differences in foreign language classroom anxiety: Results of a meta-analysis

100%

Piniel K., Zólyomi A.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2022

|

vol. 12

|

issue 2

173-203

EN

Exploring language learners’ anxiety is not a neglected area of inquiry in applied linguistics research, which can primarily be attributed to the publication of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), an influential instrument developed by Horwitz et al. (1986) to measure language anxiety. An ever-growing array of studies has employed the FLCAS and analyzed the underlying relationship between the focal construct and foreign language achievement, various individual difference variables and a variety of demographic variables, such as learning experiences, age, and gender. Despite the considerable number of publications, studies focusing on biographical variables and language anxiety have not been conclusive. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to analyze 48 studies that employed the FLCAS to look at the potential gender differences with respect to language anxiety. Although there is great variation in the methodological and reporting practices in the studies included, and findings show a tendency for females to experience higher foreign language anxiety, gender-related differences are not statistically significant. The results of moderator analyses showed that neither age nor target language, regional context, or, in the case of university students, their majors, influence this relationship.

6

Gender-dependent language anxiety in Polish communication apprehensives

100%

Piechurska-Kuciel E.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2012

|

vol. 2

|

issue 2

227-248

EN

This paper analyzes the relationship between communication apprehension and language anxiety from the perspective of gender. As virtually no empirical studies have addressed the explicit influence of gender on language anxiety in communication apprehensives, this paper proposes that females are generally more sensitive to anxiety, as reflected in various spheres of communication. For this reason, language anxiety levels in communication apprehensive females should be higher, unlike those of communication apprehensive males. Comparisons between them were made using a student t test, two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey test. The results revealed that Polish communication apprehensive secondary grammar school males and females do not differ in their levels of language anxiety, although nonapprehensive males experience significantly lower language anxiety than their female peers. It is argued that the finding can be attributed to developmental patterns, gender socialization processes, classroom practices, and the uniqueness of the FL learning process, which is a stereotypically female domain.

7

Metodologia badań nad lękiem językowym

89%

Piechurska-Kuciel E.

Neofilolog

|

2009

|

issue 32

85-96

EN

The paper aims at analysing the methodological perspectives applied in studies on language anxiety. First, the sample selection procedures and characteristics are presented, followed by the analysis the main research tools applied in this area, and by the outline of the most popular research designs and the description of basic data analyses. The paper finishes with an attempt to depict methodological research perspectives concerning further investigations of language anxiety.

8

Integrative motivation and global language (English) acquisition in Poland

88%

Gardner R.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2012

|

vol. 2

|

issue 2

215-226

EN

This study investigated the consistency of a measure of integrative motivation in the prediction of achievement in English as a foreign language in 18 samples of Polish school students. The results are shown to have implications for concerns expressed that integrative motivation might not be appropriate to the acquisition of English because it is a global language and moreover that other factors such as the gender of the student or the environment of the class might also influence its predictability. Results of a hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicated that for the older samples, integrative motivation was a consistent predictor of grades in English, unaffected by either the gender of the student or class environment acting as covariates. Comparable results were obtained for the younger samples except that student gender also contributed to the prediction of grades in English. Examination of the correlations of the elements of the integrative motivation score with English grades demonstrated that the aggregate score is the more consistent correlate from sample to sample than the elements themselves. Such results lead to the hypothesis that integrative motivation is a multi-dimensional construct and different aspects of the motivational complex come into play for each individual. That is, two individuals can hold the same level of integrative motivation and thus attain the same level of achievement but one might be higher in some elements and lower in others than another individual, resulting in consistent correlations of the aggregate but less so for the elements.

9

Integrative motivation and global language (English) acquisition in Poland

88%

Gardner R. C.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2012

|

vol. 2

|

issue 2

215-226

EN

This study investigated the consistency of a measure of integrative motivation in the prediction of achievement in English as a foreign language in 18 samples of Polish school students. The results are shown to have implications for concerns expressed that integrative motivation might not be appropriate to the acquisition of English because it is a global language and moreover that other factors such as the gender of the student or the environment of the class might also influence its predictability. Results of a hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicated that for the older samples, integrative motivation was a consistent predictor of grades in English, unaffected by either the gender of the student or class environment acting as covariates. Comparable results were obtained for the younger samples except that student gender also contributed to the prediction of grades in English. Examination of the correlations of the elements of the integrative motivation score with English grades demonstrated that the aggregate score is the more consistent correlate from sample to sample than the elements themselves. Such results lead to the hypothesis that integrative motivation is a multi-dimensional construct and different aspects of the motivational complex come into play for each individual. That is, two individuals can hold the same level of integrative motivation and thus attain the same level of achievement but one might be higher in some elements and lower in others than another individual, resulting in consistent correlations of the aggregate but less so for the elements.

10

Searching for an English self through writing

88%

Karlsson L.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2015

|

vol. 5

|

issue 3

409-429

EN

Most Finnish university students, just like the other new global elites (Kramsch, 2013), use English without problems. Some students, however, struggle with English to the extent that their studies suffer. One could say that they have a deeply “wounded” English self (Karlsson, 2013). My context of research and practice is the Autonomous Learning Modules (ALMS) at Helsinki University Language Centre. In my work as a language counsellor and practitioner-researcher, pedagogical concerns are always primary, and there is a need to appreciate diversity yet notice every student’s unique experiences. The broad background of my recent work is English as part of the identity of young academic Finns. In particular, I have been interested in how students with a “wounded” English self can develop new identity positions, and in how a language counsellor can help them in this process. In this paper, my focus is on the subtle practical interconnections between learner autonomy, learner diversity, and learner identity as they emerge in a diary written by a student of English with dyslexia and language (classroom) anxiety. A narrative case study of Mariia illustrates how the counsellor’s appreciation and her own recognition of the complex ecological realities (Casanave, 2012) surrounding and interacting with her learning encourage and empower her. Mariia uses her freedom to control her own learning (Huang & Benson, 2013) and makes choices from the many lifewide experiential learning opportunities in her life (Karlsson & Kjisik, 2011). Reflective writing in the learning diary helps her to construct a realistic vision of herself as a learner and user of English, and she leaves the identity position of a failure in the classroom and claims a new, more successful one (Norton, 2014).

11

Perceived teacher support and language anxiety in Polish secondary school EFL learners

88%

Piechurska-Kuciel E.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2011

|

vol. 1

|

issue 1

83-100

EN

The teacher’s role is vital, both in respect to achieving academic goals, and with regard to the regulation of emotional and social processes. Positive perceptions of teacher support can endorse psychological wellness, and help maintain students’ academic interests, higher academic achievement and more positive peer relationships. The teacher who shows understanding, empathy and consistency in their behavior helps students start forming an identity, which will assist them in coping with stress and anxiety directly connected with the foreign language learning process (language anxiety). The main aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between teacher support and language anxiety levels. It is speculated that teacher support functions as a buffer from the effects of negative emotions, such as language anxiety experienced in the foreign language learning process. The participants of the study were 621 secondary grammar school students whose responses to a questionnaire were the main data source. The results of the study demonstrate that students with higher levels of teacher support experience lower language anxiety levels in comparison to their peers with lower levels of teacher support. Students who have a feeling that they can count on the instructor’s help, advice, assistance, or backing manage the learning process more successfully. They evaluate their language abilities highly and receive better final grades. Nevertheless, gender and residential location do not moderate teacher support and language anxiety due to the specificity of the sample consisting of novice secondary grammar school students.

12

Searching for an English self through writing

88%

Karlsson L.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2015

|

vol. 5

|

issue 3

409-429

EN

Most Finnish university students, just like the other new global elites (Kramsch,2013), use English without problems. Some students, however, struggle withEnglish to the extent that their studies suffer. One could say that they have adeeply “wounded” English self (Karlsson, 2013). My context of research andpractice is the Autonomous Learning Modules (ALMS) at Helsinki UniversityLanguage Centre. In my work as a language counsellor and practitioner-researcher,pedagogical concerns are always primary, and there is a need to appreciatediversity yet notice every student’s unique experiences. The broadbackground of my recent work is English as part of the identity of young academicFinns. In particular, I have been interested in how students with a“wounded” English self can develop new identity positions, and in how a languagecounsellor can help them in this process. In this paper, my focus is on thesubtle practical interconnections between learner autonomy, learner diversity,and learner identity as they emerge in a diary written by a student of Englishwith dyslexia and language (classroom) anxiety. A narrative case study of Mariiaillustrates how the counsellor’s appreciation and her own recognition of thecomplex ecological realities (Casanave, 2012) surrounding and interacting withher learning encourage and empower her. Mariia uses her freedom to controlher own learning (Huang & Benson, 2013) and makes choices from the manylifewide experiential learning opportunities in her life (Karlsson & Kjisik, 2011).Reflective writing in the learning diary helps her to construct a realistic vision ofherself as a learner and user of English, and she leaves the identity position ofa failure in the classroom and claims a new, more successful one (Norton, 2014).

13

REVUE DES RECHERCHES EMPIRIQUES SUR L’ANXIÉTÉ LANGAGIÈRE ET LES DIFFICULTÉS D’APPRENTISSAGE

88%

Łuszczyńska S.

Kwartalnik Neofilologiczny

|

2018

|

issue 1

14

The relationship between language anxiety and the actual and perceived levels of foreign language pronunciation

88%

Baran-Łucarz M.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2011

|

vol. 1

|

issue 4

491-514

EN

The construct of anxiety has been captivating the interest of SLA researchers for a long time. Numerous observations show that most individuals experience anxiety when learning a foreign language (FL) and using it, both in classroom and real-life contexts, though to a different extent. An analysis of studies conducted on language anxiety (LA) throughout several decades (Horwitz, 2010) shows that researchers have focused, first and foremost, on examining the nature, symptoms and consequences of being anxious, proving its detrimental effect on FL and L2 learning and performance. However, the causes of LA seem to have been less thoroughly explored. The paper reports on a study investigating whether the actual level of FL learners’ pronunciation and the pronunciation level perceived by students can be considered significant sources of anxiety. It is hypothesized that both pronunciation levels are related to LA, with the latter being a more important determinant of LA than the former. To measure the subjects’ degree of anxiety, the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986) was applied. The actual level of pronunciation was diagnosed with the use of a Pronunciation Test, consisting of a Perception Test and two Production Tests (word and passage reading). The perceived pronunciation level of the participants was measured with a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this research. The Pearson moment-correlation proved LA to be significantly correlated with both levels of pronunciation, with the relationship being more meaningful in the case of the perceived FL pronunciation level.

15

Perceived teacher support and language anxiety in Polish secondary school EFL learners

88%

Piechurska-Kuciel E.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2011

|

vol. 1

|

issue 1

83-100

EN

The teacher’s role is vital, both in respect to achieving academic goals, and with regard to the regulation of emotional and social processes. Positive perceptions of teacher support can endorse psychological wellness, and help maintain students’ academic interests, higher academic achievement and more positive peer relationships. The teacher who shows understanding, empathy and consistency in their behavior helps students start forming an identity, which will assist them in coping with stress and anxiety directly connected with the foreign language learning process (language anxiety). The main aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between teacher support and language anxiety levels. It is speculated that teacher support functions as a buffer from the effects of negative emotions, such as language anxiety experienced in the foreign language learning process. The participants of the study were 621 secondary grammar school students whose responses to a questionnaire were the main data source. The results of the study demonstrate that students with higher levels of teacher support experience lower language anxiety levels in comparison to their peers with lower levels of teacher support. Students who have a feeling that they can count on the instructor’s help, advice, assistance, or backing manage the learning process more successfully. They evaluate their language abilities highly and receive better final grades. Nevertheless, gender and residential location do not moderate teacher support and language anxiety due to the specificity of the sample consisting of novice secondary grammar school students.

16

Réduction De L’anxiété De Production Orale

88%

Kalińska S.

Academic Journal of Modern Philology

|

2023

|

issue 19

129-147

EN

Research has consistently shown that anxious language students suffer significantly during oral activities and that anxiety has a negative impact on students’ attitudes toward language study. The purpose of this article is to help practitioners better understand some of the variables related to anxiety and oral skills and to offer teachers methods to lower the levels of stress in their classroom through the use of anxiety-management tools and activities that encourage authentic communication within a warm and supportive community of learners.

17

Dynamic properties of language anxiety

88%

Gregersen T.

Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching

|

2020

|

vol. 10

|

issue 1

67-87

EN

This article begins by examining previous empirical studies to demonstrate that language anxiety, or the negative emotional reaction learners experience when using a second language (MacIntyre & Gardner, 1999), is a dynamic individual difference learner variable. I show that it forms part of an interconnected, constantly-in-flux system that changes unpredictably over multiple time scales. While at certain times this system might settle into an attractor state that accommodates contradictory conditions, perturbations that arise may lead to development and change with the curious possibility that minor disruptions generate large effects while major alterations go unnoticed. In essence, language anxiety (LA) is part of a continuous complex system in which each state evolves from a previous one. After I establish LA as a dynamic variable using the aforementioned criteria, I outline the implications and challenges for researching LA using a dynamic paradigm, which include focusing on individuals, transforming LA research questions, designing interventions and re-thinking data gathering methodologies. I conclude with implications for language teaching that emphasize: 1) raising awareness of the importance of decoding nonverbal behavior to identify moment-by-moment shifts in learner emotion; 2) remaining vigilant concerning variables that are interacting with LA that make this factor part of a cyclical process; 3) understanding that anxiety co-exists with positive emotions to varying degrees and that language tasks are not unanimously enjoyed or universally anxiety-provoking; and 4) incorporating positive psychology activities that proactively encourage buoyancy and resilience for moment-by-moment daily perturbations as well as debilitating disruptions that result in long-lasting influences.

18

Przyczyny społeczno-kulturowe oraz osobowe lęku językowego

75%

Kalińska-Łuszczyńska S.

Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska, sectio FF – Philologia

|

2016

|

vol. 34

|

issue 1

EN

What causes language anxiety is a central question of this paper and is of interest to all language teachers and learners, as well as SLA scholars who are interested in anxiety and learning. The fact that language anxiety is a psychological construct, most likely stems from the learner’s own ‘self’, i.e., as an intrinsic motivator, e.g., his or her self perceptions, perceptions about others (peers, teachers, interlocutors, etc.) and target language communication situations, etc. Language anxiety may also be experienced due to linguistic difficulties L2/FL learners face in learning and using the target language. Within social contexts, language anxiety may be experienced due to extrinsic motivators, such as different social and cultural environments, particularly the environments where L1 and L2/FL learning takes place. Social status of the speaker and the interlocutor, a sense of power relations between them, and gender could also be important factors in causing language anxiety for L2/FL speakers.

PL

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest opis przyczyn społeczno-kulturowych oraz osobowych lęku językowego. Przyczyny społeczno-kulturowe obejmują takie czynniki jak: wsparcie społeczne, nabycie kompetencji komunikacyjnych w dzieciństwie, wiek, otoczenie społecznie towarzyszące procesowi nabywania języka drugiego, miejsce zamieszkania, postrzeganie błędu w kontekście społecznym, status społeczny, relacje władzy oraz poczucie tożsamości, lęk komunikacyjny interkulturowy i interetniczny, płeć. Przyczyny osobowe lęku językowego dotyczą takich czynników jak: perfekcjonizm, współzawodnictwo, samoocena, introwertyzm.

19

Akwizycja języka obcego a lęk językowy

63%

Kalińska-Łuszczyńska S.

Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska, sectio FF – Philologia

|

2015

|

vol. 33

|

issue 1

EN

The paper describes the specific effects of language anxiety on foreign language learning. It concerns anxieties related to the four macro-skills (language-skill-specific anxieties), such as listening anxiety, speaking anxiety, writing anxiety, and reading anxiety. In addition, the impact of language anxiety on grammar study is presented. Research has shown that anxious language students suffer significantly during oral activities and that anxiety has a negative impact on students’ attitudes towards language study.

PL

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przybliżenie pojęcia lęku językowego, opisanie jego wpływu na proces przyswajania głównych kompetencji językowych, a mianowicie: słuchania, pisania, czytania i mówienia. Dodatkowo przedstawiony został wpływ lęku językowego na naukę gramatyki. Badania wykazały, że studenci języków obcych, którzy odczuwają wysoki poziom lęku, najbardziej cierpią podczas ustnych ćwiczeń językowych. Co więcej, lęk językowy wpływa u nich na negatywną postawę wobec nauki języka.

20

L’anxiete langagiere en classe de français: les attitudes des lyceens polonais envers l’enseignement/apprentissage de l’oral

63%

Lipińska J.

Neofilolog

|

2021

|

issue 57/1

101-117

EN

While learning a foreign language, students have to practise speak-ing through different in class activities. Unfortunately, speaking is often a challenge for students not only due to linguistic difficulties, but most importantly because of the stress caused by using a foreign language in front of their classmates. This phenomenon, called language anxiety, makes it impossible for some students to participate actively, thus to develop their speaking skills. It is therefore important to understand which types of tasks cause the highest level of anxiety as well as to find out what can help students overcome their anxiety. To answer these questions, we conducted a research among Polish high school students learning French. They were asked about their attitudes towards different speaking activities in class as well as about the atmosphere in the classroom. The results indicate that students are the most stressed while speaking in front of their peers and prefer interaction in small groups. Language games also appear to lower the level of anxiety during speaking. In addition, positive atmosphere and lack of judgment help students overcome their fear, but they do not eliminate it completely for every person.

Refine search results

Gender-dependent language anxiety in Polish communication apprehensives

Foreign language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence

Mindfulness: jak oswoić lęk językowy studentów języków obcych i zachęcić ich do uważnego życia?

Foreign language anxiety and self-perceived English pronunciation competence

Gender differences in foreign language classroom anxiety: Results of a meta-analysis

Gender-dependent language anxiety in Polish communication apprehensives

Metodologia badań nad lękiem językowym

Integrative motivation and global language (English) acquisition in Poland

Integrative motivation and global language (English) acquisition in Poland

Searching for an English self through writing

Perceived teacher support and language anxiety in Polish secondary school EFL learners

Searching for an English self through writing

REVUE DES RECHERCHES EMPIRIQUES SUR L’ANXIÉTÉ LANGAGIÈRE ET LES DIFFICULTÉS D’APPRENTISSAGE

The relationship between language anxiety and the actual and perceived levels of foreign language pronunciation

Perceived teacher support and language anxiety in Polish secondary school EFL learners

Réduction De L’anxiété De Production Orale

Dynamic properties of language anxiety

Przyczyny społeczno-kulturowe oraz osobowe lęku językowego

Akwizycja języka obcego a lęk językowy

L’anxiete langagiere en classe de français: les attitudes des lyceens polonais envers l’enseignement/apprentissage de l’oral