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

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

• Iberoamérica
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.135-178
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• 2021

A teacher's talk does not make a simple delivery of information. It reflects the role of the teacher, since the language used by a teacher intervenes in a crucial way in the complex mechanisms that underlie teaching and learning of foreign languages. In this sense, the ways in which teachers give feedback have an impact on the process, not only of learning, but also of teaching. The important role of emotional factors in learning has resonated strongly in the intuition of many second and foreign language teachers. As a result, over the past three decades, research on foreign language acquisition has confirmed the hypothesis that language learning is enhanced by rapport between teacher and student. This study analyses the positive feedback given by native Spanish teachers in the context of university classes in Korea. The positive words from a language teacher are related to forming emotional factors such as motivation, attitude, interest, self-confidence, self-esteem, anxiety, and empathy, which directly influence in the acquisition of Spanish. 35 hours of oral practical classes taught by three native teachers of Colombian, Spanish and Mexican nationality were examined. According to the result, almost all the correct answers from students were corresponded with some type of positive feedback. The most frequent strategies are making a compliment, an approval, a repetition, and laughter or non-verbal cues. It is interesting to observe that teachers don't use only a single strategy to provide positive feedback, but instead combine multiple ways to enrich the positiveness of the feedback.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.139-160
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• 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
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• 2000.07a
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• pp.96-104
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• 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.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• no.6
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• pp.113-142
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• 2000

In order to obtain a better understanding of L2 learners, transitional knowledges, it is very important and necessary to have a better knowledge of interlanguage. According to Corder, the role of interlanguage in English education holds significance to (1) for language teachers, (2) for language learners themselves, and (3) for language textbook compilers. To me the significance of interlanguage in English education can be described in terms of not only language teachers, learners themselves, textbook writers and compilers but pure linguists, applied linguists, school authorities as well as parents. For language learners themselves a clear understanding of interlanguage results in students being receptive to language input, and the avoidance of mental block, and low levels of foreign language anxiety. Native speakers of English (NSE) reflect not only linguistic features but also psychological, socio-linguistic, and discourse features when engaged in communication activities. This means that L2 learners are introduced to these different features, especially pragmatic features which are different from their mother tongue or L1 when engaged in communication with NSE. Hence the importance of interlanguage pragmatics should be recognized. It is very important that teachers of English should have a better understanding of interlanguage and present L2 learners with their interlanguage features so they can avoid any misunderstandings such features may cause when conversing with NSS. It should also be noted that interlanguage can form the foundation of language acquisition theory and linguistic analysis.

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

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.279-286
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• 2020

This study was a phenomenological qualitative research that analyzed the experiences of Korean students studying in Korea after the COVID-19 incident. Participants in this study consisted of 22 international students aged 20 to 40 attending the International Exchange Center at C University. The interview period was from September 10, 2020 to October 10, 2020. Giogi qualitative research method was used to analyze vivid experiences of international students. As a result of the analysis, 26 semantic units, 7 subcomponents were derived. The description of the general structure sentence of phenomenology was a description of the meaning of experience from the perspective of participants, and the context and structure descriptions were integrated. The results of this study showed that: The students who came to Korea to study were concerned about Korea in various ways, but they had to adjust to unexpected changes in education methods, anxious about the unexpected COVID-19 disaster. Participants chose to study in Korea based on existing information, so they felt anxiety, regret, fear, and frustration over sudden changes, but taking online classes helped them learn repeatedly and voluntarily became an experience that suited their learning speed. As commuting time has decreased, they were more opportunities to make money in Korea also. Based on the results of this study, the following is suggested: First, the government should establish systematic online infection prevention measures for international students who have poor Korean language skills in preparation for unexpected disasters. Second, non-face-to-face teaching methods should be prepared with the same weight in the face-to-face teaching methods that have been carried out so far in preparation for unexpected disasters.