Predictors of foreign language speaking anxiety in a tertiary level EFL context

Gonca Nur Ölmez; Binnur Genç İlter

doi:10.30827/portalin.vi43.28720

Authors

Gonca Nur Ölmez Antalya Bilim University, Türkiye (Corresponding author) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3381-6730
Binnur Genç İlter Akdeniz University, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.vi43.28720

Keywords:

Foreign language speaking anxiety, the ideal L2 self, willingness to communicate, ought-to L2 self, L2 Motivation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate tertiary level English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ L2 speaking anxiety and its relationship with their L2 willingness to communicate (WTC), ideal and ought-to L2 selves, and L2 motivation in a Turkish EFL context with a mixed-methods approach. A composite survey form was used for quantitative data while qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Major findings indicated that the ought-to L2 self had the strongest positive link with L2 speaking anxiety whereas other variables were correlated with L2 speaking anxiety negatively. Multiple regression analysis displayed that the ought-to L2 self was the strongest and the only positive predictor of L2 speaking anxiety. L2 motivation and the ideal L2 self followed it as two negative predictors, respectively. However, L2 WTC did not significantly impact the regression model. The study provided some implications for L2 learning and teaching based on the results.

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Author Biographies

Gonca Nur Ölmez, Antalya Bilim University, Türkiye (Corresponding author)

Lecturer at Antalya Bilim University, School of Foreign Languages, Antalya, Türkiye. She has a bachelor’s degree in ELT Department of Dokuz Eylül University. She has received her MA from Akdeniz University, ELT Department. Her main research interests include skills teaching, technology in education, the psychology of language learning, and professional development.

Binnur Genç İlter, Akdeniz University, Türkiye

Professor at Akdeniz University, ELT Department, Antalya, Türkiye. She is working as the head of ELT Department. She has received her PhD from Ankara University, MA and BA from Gazi University. Her main research interests include teaching English to young learners, materials development in ELT, skills teaching, and bilingualism.

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INFORMATION:

This paper is based on the MA thesis of the first author submitted to the Graduate School of Educational Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye.