ERIC Number: EJ1292262
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0957-1736
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Interplay between Learner Beliefs and Foreign Language Anxiety: Insights from the Turkish EFL Context
Aslan, Erhan; Thompson, Amy S.
Language Learning Journal, v49 n2 p189-202 2021
Foreign language learning in classroom settings has long been found to be associated with anxiety. Though it is known that sources of foreign language anxiety are varied, whether anxiety is related to learners' inherent beliefs about language learning is understudied. To this end, the present study examines the possible relationship between learner beliefs and language anxiety in the under-researched Turkish EFL context. A population of university-level Turkish EFL learners (n = 153) completed the Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) and the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety scale (FLCAS). The underlying constructs in both instruments were explored using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). A series of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) tests were performed on the factor scores from both instruments. The findings revealed that fear of ambiguity was positively linked to classroom performance anxiety and negative feelings towards English. In addition, the more confident learners feel themselves using English, the more desire they seem to have to interact with native speakers. Overall, positive beliefs about language learning may be helpful in reducing anxiety and boosting confidence in language learning. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the complex psychology of language learning but also have important implications for instructed EFL/ESL settings.
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Anxiety, Foreign Countries, College Students, Communication (Thought Transfer), Likert Scales, Measures (Individuals), Negative Attitudes, Self Esteem, Individual Differences, Ambiguity (Context)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A