A study on language anxiety among the ESL a study on language anxiety among the ESL undergraduates at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the process of learning English as a second language some emotional factors influence learning abilities. The emotional factors are mainly thought to be intelligence, motivation, attitudes and anxiety. Among them, anxiety stands out as one of the most influential factors in learning the English language. It can impede students’ learning process and achievements. Previous research unearthed many reasons for the existence of anxiety among ESL learners. The present study aimed to investigate the anxiety experienced by the ESL students of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL), identify the factors that led to anxiety and the strategies to overcome it. Mixed methods approach was used covering questionnaire survey, interview and focus group discussion. The participants of the study included 50 undergraduates of SEUSL who learned English as a second language. The data were analyzed manually and using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results of the present study suggest that majority of the students experience some kind of anxiety in the ESL classes and most of the students face a form of anxiety predominantly during oral tests and in-class presentations. Furthermore, this study suggests measures to rectify the situations; both students and instructors need to carefully deal with the situations that provoke anxiety. In addition, providing a comfortable, friendly learning environment for the ESL undergraduates at the SEUSL is helpful to ease anxiety.