I said, “Do you speak-a my language?”
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich
Triggered by unfamiliar sounds, different cultural expressions, and fear of making mistakes, have you ever felt that rush of nerves when speaking in English? You’re not alone. Recent studies show over 30% of international students experience foreign language anxiety.
Foreign language anxiety (FLA), is defined as a feeling of apprehension or fear associated with communicating in a foreign language.
Learning English as a second language is undoubtedly tough, especially for international students who are already facing the challenges of living and studying in a new country. FLA can manifest in a variety of ways, such as nervousness, self-doubt, and avoidance of speaking or writing in the new language.
It can have a significant impact on language learning, making it difficult to focus, absorb information, and perform well in class and on assignments.
However, there are a number of things that international students can do to manage Foreign Language Anxiety and improve their language learning experience.
Exploring the Depths of Foreign Language Anxiety
Foreign language anxiety refers to the fear, nervousness, or uneasiness experienced by individuals when using or learning a foreign language. It can stem from a variety of factors, such as the fear of making mistakes, being judged by others, or feeling like an outsider due to communication difficulties. These anxieties can have a profound effect on the learning experience and overall language proficiency.
If you’re an international student, you likely experience anxiety when speaking English. According to research, over 25% of university students in Australia are international, with the largest groups coming from China, India, and other Asian countries.
While the classroom provides some structure, outside interactions can be unpredictable, making it hard to convey what you really mean or understand what’s going on. This anxiety often continues even after graduating as you enter the workforce.
Many hope to gain permanent residency, but to do so, you must meet English language requirements. This could add to the pressure of learning an entirely different language in an entirely different environment from where you grew up.
Unmasking the Culprit: Common Triggers of Language Anxiety
According to studies, anxiety from learning a foreign language can have damaging effects and impact your ability to master the new language. A 2006 study by Lindy Woodrow found that for some students, the anxiety experienced when speaking English was debilitating.
As an international student in Australia, the thought of speaking English in social situations can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress. Common triggers include:
Speaking with native English speakers. Whether it’s chatting with your professor or ordering coffee, conversing with native speakers when English isn’t your first language can be nerve-wracking. You may worry about misunderstandings, not being able to express yourself clearly, or saying something incorrectly.
Presenting or speaking up in group settings. Having to present in front of classmates or speak up during a team meeting when you’re still learning the language can be anxiety-provoking. Fear of judgment from others, difficulty articulating your thoughts, or general discomfort being the center of attention are all contributing factors.
The Influence of Foreign Language Anxiety on the Learning Journey
Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges.
For international students, foreign language anxiety can be particularly challenging. Being in a foreign country, away from their native language and familiar culture, can intensify their anxieties. These students may struggle with adapting to a different learning environment, understanding cultural subtleties, and forming connections.
The anxiety often stems from three main factors:
- Difficulty navigating unpredictable social and workplace situations where English is required
- Struggling to convey their meaning due to limited language skills
- Feeling anxious when speaking in group settings or to native English speakers because of fear of being judged.
Their anxiety can hinder their ability to fully engage in classroom activities, participate in discussions, and ask questions, ultimately affecting their language learning progress.
Some specific ways in which foreign language anxiety can affect learning are:
Cognitive impairment: Anxiety when learning English as a second language can interfere with cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. This can make it difficult for learners to acquire new language knowledge and skills.
Communication avoidance: Learners with FLA may avoid speaking and writing in a foreign language for fear of making mistakes or being judged negatively. This can limit their opportunities to practice and improve their language skills.
Reduced motivation: Language learning anxiety can lead to a loss of motivation to learn a foreign language. International students learning English may feel discouraged and give up if they feel anxious and stressed about learning.
Students who experience high levels of FLA are more likely to have poorer grades and lower overall proficiency in the foreign language.
Here are some examples of how anxiety cripples effective language learning:
- A student who is anxious about speaking in a foreign language may be less likely to participate in class discussions or activities. This can lead to missed opportunities to practice and improve their speaking skills.
- International students who are anxious about learning English and are conscious about making mistakes may be afraid to ask questions or volunteer to answer them in class. This can make it difficult to learn from their mistakes and improve their understanding of the material.
- An anxious student being evaluated may avoid taking risks in their foreign language learning. This can make it difficult to develop fluency and confidence in the language.
By understanding the factors that contribute to foreign language anxiety, we can take the steps to minimize them. Students will then have a better chance of overcoming their fears, mastering English, and adapting to their new cultural surroundings. Reducing anxiety and improving confidence in using English will empower international students to fully participate in Australian society.
In professional circumstances there are many great communication solutions available which can be used to improve engagement with your non-native speakers, and address the inherent deficit in their ability to access your services.
A 2006 paper delivered by Lindy Woodrow (Honorary Senior Lecturer in TESOL¹, University of Sydney) details the results from her study about foreign language anxiety. Woodrow looked at students in their final months of studying English, prior to enrolling in university courses in Australia. The study revealed that learning English as a second language can be a negative and potentially damaging experience both in and out of the classroom (Woodrow, 2006). This may impact a learner’s capacity to master their new language and achieve confidence in handling day-to-day communications.
¹Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
“Anxiety experienced in communication in English can be debilitating”
Lindy Woodrow