The Effects of Anxiety on Language Learning of Esl and Efl University Students
The Effects of Anxiety On Language Learning of ESL and EFL University Students
Review of Literature
Introduction:
There has always been the existence of the feeling of anxiety-anticipation of danger and the fear of some untoward occurrence in the back f our minds. However, in the modern age of stress, cutthroat competition and uncertainty, the problem of anxiety has become chronic and has developed into a menace.This, as every one knows, has posed a strong challenge towards the maintenance of our good health and well-being and onto learning process of learners and even stronger, in ESL and EFL university students for being taught a foreign/second language besides their own ones.
For defining anxiety, it can be said that anxiety is an uncomfortable emotional state which has some characteristics like: feeling of apprehension, worry, nervousness, dread, and feeling of stress that may stem from the anticipation of some non-specific source of danger.Rapid heartbeat,dizziness,fainting tendency,trembling,irregularbreathing,sweating,palpitations,hypertension,chest pain and shortness of breath, are common symptoms, all/some of which are observed in persons suffering from anxiety. It may be noted that anxiety may actually prove beneficial in some respects, too. The feeling of anxiety helps cope with the intense situations arising in life. In a way, it helps motivate persons to prepare in the best manner and perform to the utmost in public speaking, at an exam, in working towards meeting some deadline,etc.However,it turns into a malady if it goes beyond a certain limit and even may threaten health. In today’s world, there is a large amount of reported cases who are suffering from anxiety and it may even reach such enormous proportions in some people, as to interfere with their ability to function normally.
Researchers have studied the effects of anxiety on foreign language learning since the 1970’s; and on second language learning,
Review of Literature
Introduction:
There has always been the existence of the feeling of anxiety-anticipation of danger and the fear of some untoward occurrence in the back f our minds. However, in the modern age of stress, cutthroat competition and uncertainty, the problem of anxiety has become chronic and has developed into a menace.This, as every one knows, has posed a strong challenge towards the maintenance of our good health and well-being and onto learning process of learners and even stronger, in ESL and EFL university students for being taught a foreign/second language besides their own ones.
For defining anxiety, it can be said that anxiety is an uncomfortable emotional state which has some characteristics like: feeling of apprehension, worry, nervousness, dread, and feeling of stress that may stem from the anticipation of some non-specific source of danger.Rapid heartbeat,dizziness,fainting tendency,trembling,irregularbreathing,sweating,palpitations,hypertension,chest pain and shortness of breath, are common symptoms, all/some of which are observed in persons suffering from anxiety. It may be noted that anxiety may actually prove beneficial in some respects, too. The feeling of anxiety helps cope with the intense situations arising in life. In a way, it helps motivate persons to prepare in the best manner and perform to the utmost in public speaking, at an exam, in working towards meeting some deadline,etc.However,it turns into a malady if it goes beyond a certain limit and even may threaten health. In today’s world, there is a large amount of reported cases who are suffering from anxiety and it may even reach such enormous proportions in some people, as to interfere with their ability to function normally.
Researchers have studied the effects of anxiety on foreign language learning since the 1970’s; and on second language learning,
References: Barney, G (2006). Anxiety-Unnatural or Natural, anxiety, 2, Article0611from http://www.articlecube.com Boor, M (1978).Test Anxiety and Classroom Examination Performance: A Reply to Daniels and Hewitt .Clinical Psychology Journal, 36 (1) Jan 1980, 177-179. Burden, P (2004). The Teacher as Facilitator: Reducing Anxiety in EFL University Classroom. JALT Hokkaido Journal, 8, 3-18. Cassado, M.A., Derewshskey, M.I. (2001).Foreign Language Anxiety of University Students. College Students Journal, 35, 01403934, 18.Retrived June 16, 2006 from the Academic Search Premier. Cheng, Y-s (2001).Learners’ Belief and Second Language Anxiety .Studies in English Literature and Linguistics, 27(2), 75-90. Daniels, B, Hewitt, J (1978). Anxiety and Classroom Examination Performance .Clinical Psychology Journal, 34(2), 340-345. London, R (2003).Reducing Classroom Anxiety for Mainstreamed ESL Students. Lehigh University, June 2003 Action Research Project. Shaffer, D.E (2006).Fear and Fun: Dealing with student Anxiety in the Classroom. National Conference, 2006, Cheonan, 157-172.