• English Language & Literature Teaching
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.265-290
• /
• 2009

The present data-driven study attempted to explicate nonnative English teacher trainees' foreign language teaching anxiety in microteaching settings from their perspectives. It is assumed that nonnative English teachers or teacher trainees may experience anxiety not only as foreign language learners but also as foreign language teachers. In order to inquire into their anxiety, the researcher had 172 teacher trainees perform extended microteaching tasks and reflect on their teaching and anxiety through group discussion. Based on the analysis of their discussion, three aspects related to nonnative English teacher trainees' anxiety were identified. First, teacher trainees identified three main types of anxiety-provoking situations: communicative-competence-threatening situations, unexpected situations, and instruction-hindering situations. Second, they identified three sources of anxiety: limited ability to use English, lack of English teaching skills, and fear of criticism. Third, they were aware that they used diverse strategies to lower anxiety before and while teaching for different purposes. From their identification and awareness of anxiety-provoking situations, sources of anxiety, and anxiety-lowering strategies, they could reflect on professional qualifications as a foreign language teacher.

• Korean Journal of Child Studies
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.135-148
• /
• 2006

The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale(Horwitz et al., 1986) and the Classroom Environment Scale(Moos & Tricket, 1974) were administered to 434 middle school students in Daegu. Data were analyzed by Cronbach's $\alpha$, t-test, and Pearson's correlation using the SPSS program. Results on anxiety showed no gender differences between male and female students but $9^{th}$ graders reported more anxiety than $7^{th}$ graders. Two of the nine classroom environment subscales showed differences between perceptions of male and female students, and there were significant differences between $7^{th}$ and $9^{th}$ graders. Foreign language anxiety was correlated with perceived classroom environment. This finding suggests the importance of the psychological environment between the English teacher and students for successful language education.

• Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research
• /
• v.5 no.3
• /
• pp.250-265
• /
• 2018

Thailand is one of the ASEAN countries and is said to be the most visited country in Southeast Asia. Despite its development, Thailand falls as one of the countries with the lowest rates of English proficiency. This article is written to describe one of the possible factors of Thailand's low English proficiency, which is the foreign language anxiety of students. This article outlines references regarding the English language anxiety of Thai students and uses them as a basis in distinguishing English language anxiety among nursing students in Boromarajonani College of Nursing Nakhon Lampang, Thailand (BCNLP). A survey was conducted using a questionnaire based on the FLCA Scale by Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope, (1986) with a focus group consisting of 80 participants randomly selected from $1^{st}$ year to $4^{th}$ year nursing students of BCNLP. As found in the survey there were two sources of English language anxiety among nursing students: 1. Fear of negative evaluation due to unpreparedness, and feeling and thinking that others are better in language learning as the main factors; and 2. Communicating apprehension, where in speaking without preparation, speaking in the foreign language in front of other students, and self-doubt about one's ability to speak in the foreign language are the highest ranked causes of anxiety. The results indicate two main problems: unpreparedness and self-concept. Therefore, it is recommended that English Language classes should be taught with the learner-centered approach and that instructors should put importance in preparing the students during class, and encouraging them to increase a positive self-concept towards English language learning.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.1-20
• /
• 2005

Despite the noteworthy increase in the number of FL anxiety studies, inconsistencies associated with the effects of FL anxiety on language learner performance have been reported in literature. Such conflicting results seem to be attributable in part to unstable conceptualization of the FL anxiety construct and its measure. This paper purported to address the emerging call for a theoretical clarification of the construct at hand as a preface to a clear picture of language anxiety on a conceptual ground. This paper not only covers aspects of general anxiety from psychological perspectives, but examines how FL anxiety and its associated concepts have been conceptualized in the literature. Inconsistent results that pertain to FL learning were also delineated. Given the drawbacks found in the exiting theories of FL anxiety, several points were taken into account for a refinement of the conceptual framework. This attempt will hopefully shed new light on the construct per se and prove conducive to the development of the field of English education.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.389-417
• /
• 2023

Social distancing required the use of doorstep delivery for nearly all purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign users in Korea are forced to participate in superfluous tasks, leading to an increase in their anxiety and fatigue while online shopping. This study examines how digital shadow work stemming from the language barrier can affect the emotions and behaviors of foreign shoppers that use Korean shopping sites. By interviewing 37 foreign users in Korea, this draft examined their experiences, behaviors, and emotional output, classifying them into 14 codes and seven categories. Using grounded theory, we found that online shoppers' emotions, feelings, experiences, and decision making may be changed in the stages of the pre-use, use, and post-use activities. User responses regarding shadow work and related obstacles can be seen with the continue, discontinue, and optional (occasional use) of Korean online shopping sites. Pleasure and satisfaction come from high efficiency and privileges, whereas anger and disappointment come from poor self-confidence and pessimism. Furthermore, buyer behavior and product orientation are identified as intervening conditions, while the online vs. offline shopping experiences are identified as contextual conditions. In conclusion, language barriers and other factors make online shopping difficult for foreign shoppers, which negatively affects their psychological mechanisms and buying behaviors. The implications from the study findings and future research are also discussed.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.545-555
• /
• 2015

We investigated the influence of negative emotion such as state-trait anxiety and depression and working memory (WM) on Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning (FLVL) of South Korean university students. Also, its implications for developing contents for FLVL were discerned. To do so, state-trait anxiety and depression inventories as well as four kinds of WM test were performed for 132 undergraduate students. Participants also had two semantic learning sessions for Swahili words. The mean scores of negative emotions were normal level. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that there was no effect of negative emotion on FLVL, while direct effects of the negative emotion on WM and the WM on FLVL were significant. Such results suggested that FLVL would be weakened, with the result that WM had been impaired by negative emotions. These outcomes suggested that when developing FLVL content for university students, it is necessary to consider the negative emotions of foreign language learners and to develop the contents for FLVL in the light of WM load.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.139-160
• /
• 2011

This study examines correlations between affective variables and English learners' achievement in native teachers' classes. Specifically, it aims to study the relationships among Korean college students' English learning motivation, anxiety, WTC (willingness to communicate) and their English achievement scores. For the purpose, the questionnaire surveys were conducted, and the students' English scores were analyzed and compared. The participants were 216 university students taking the general English courses as a requirement for graduation. The results indicated that although the students had high level motivation to learn English, especially for social reasons, their WTC in and outside the classroom was low. Also, unlike the previous studies on foreign language anxiety, their anxiety level was not significant. Anxiety and motivation were negatively correlated; WTC and motivation were positively correlated. However, according to the regression analysis, the explanatory power of the three affective variables was not significant for the students' achievement scores. Several possible reasons and some pedagogical implications are provided in the conclusion.

• Proceedings of the KSPS conference
• /
• 2000.07a
• /
• pp.96-104
• /
• 2000

The Bodysonic system was invented on the basis of 'Bone Conduction Theory,' which states that people feel sounds with their whole body. The Bodysonic system is used for L2 (English) learning at Aichi Women's Junior College. In recent years we have developed some unique methodology related to use of the Bodysonic system. In Japan it is difficult for adult L2 learners to acquire the prosody of a foreign language. A language laboratory using the Bodysonic system has been suggested as one way to eradicate such adult L2 problems. The Bodysonic system changes sounds into vibrations. It makes it easy for learners to acquire the prosody of a foreign language because humans can convey information, through their tactile organs. In addition, this system was originally designed to make people relax, so it can also help minimize learner anxiety. The effect of Bodysonic vibrations on language learning has already been proven by some experiments. The Bodysonic system appears to be an ideal teaching method for adult to learn a foreign language.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.13 no.10
• /
• pp.9.1-9.6
• /
• 2023

This study aims to explore the potential of Korean language learning as a means of psychological healing and improving the quality of life for Japanese middle-aged and older learners. Results showed that Korean language learning could help alleviate various psychological issues experienced by middle-aged learners and contribute to enhancing their quality of life. Learning a foreign language is not just about acquiring information but also about meeting people who use the language and understanding and experiencing their culture. In particular, for Japanese middle-aged learners, Korean language learning can be advantageous as it can lead to the discovery or development of new hobbies or interests. Results also showed that Korean language learning increased learners' opportunities for interaction with others and enjoyment of learning new cultural customs. These positive outcomes suggest the need for discussion of teaching strategies that focus on psychological healing in foreign language education. Further clinical trials with participants who learn foreign languages for healing purposes may provide more conclusive evidence on the diverse effects of language learning on stress, anxiety, depression, self-development, social connections, and cognitive ability.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.631-639
• /
• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of the study is to investigate the influencing factors on English interest and anxiety in dental hygiene students. Methods : A self-reported questionnaire was filled out by 1,040 dental hygiene students in six universities in Busan and Gyeongnam from April 1 to 30, 2013. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics, foreign language performance anxiety scale, and English interest. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regressions. Results : Those who travelled abroad tended to have a liking for English. English credits significantly influenced on English interest. and employment. The period of English study was proportional to interest and grade of English. Conclusions : The interest and anxiety for English was the major factor to improve the mastery of English. The dental hygienists must try to improve the mastery of language proficiency.