Language Anxiety and Attitude of Secondary School Students towards Learning English

Abstract

In countries where English is taught as a foreign language, learners suffer
various levels of being anxious and develop a specific attitude towards
English. The paper examined foreign language anxiety of 10th grade
students and their attitude towards foreign language learning. Sample of
the study was 360 male and 360 female students of 10th grade students
of public sector secondary schools from six districts of the Punjab
Province of Pakistan. Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCAS)
scale was used to investigate anxiety of the students and attitude towards
English was found by using English language attitude scale. The data
were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. t-test was used to find out
gender differences for language anxiety and attitude. Relationship of
anxiety with attitude of the students was determined though Pearson
product moment coefficient. Results revealed that significant differences
existed between male and female students for foreign language anxiety
and attitude towards foreign language learning. Results also indicated
that significant negative correlation was found between foreign language
anxiety and students’ attitude towards foreign language learning. Girls
showed less anxiety in English language class and had more positive
attitude towards English. It was suggested that training might be given to
English language teachers on modern pedagogical patterns. English
language Curriculum might be redesigned keeping the context of the
learners in mind.