This seminar paper will take a look at several definitions and dimensions of anxiety in general, and then continue to elucidate the concept of foreign language anxiety in depth with the foundations of Horwitz et al. (1986). It will be examined how anxiety can manifest itself and also how it can be diagnosed and measured by means of an instrument which was also developed by Horwitz et al. Moreover, it will be explained in what way anxiety can affect second language acquisition and also what some potential causes and sources are. The last section of this paper will focus on some of the guidelines and strategies that can be adopted by teachers, but also by students, in order to minimize feelings of anxiety. In this context, these will be brought into question and reflected upon. In order to understand foreign language anxiety in a broader context, the fundamental aspects of anxiety, in general, will be discussed in the following section.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Anxiety and its dimensions
- Conceptual Foundations of Foreign Language Anxiety
- How can foreign language anxiety manifest itself?
- How can foreign language anxiety be diagnosed and measured?
- Effects of Foreign Language Anxiety
- Causes of Foreign Language Anxiety
- Reducing foreign language anxiety
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper aims to explore the multifaceted nature of foreign language anxiety, encompassing its conceptual foundations, manifestations, effects, and potential causes. It delves into strategies for reducing anxiety and examines how this crucial factor impacts second language acquisition.
- The conceptual foundations of foreign language anxiety
- The manifestations and measurement of foreign language anxiety
- The effects of foreign language anxiety on language learning and performance
- The potential causes and sources of foreign language anxiety
- Strategies for reducing foreign language anxiety
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper commences with a comprehensive overview of anxiety, encompassing its three main dimensions: trait anxiety, state anxiety, and situation-specific anxiety. These concepts are then applied to the specific context of foreign language learning, establishing the theoretical underpinnings of foreign language anxiety.
The discussion then explores various facets of foreign language anxiety, including its manifestations, diagnostic methods, and impact on second language acquisition. Key areas examined include the influence of anxiety on students' proficiency, confidence, self-esteem, and classroom participation.
The paper further investigates potential sources of foreign language anxiety, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue in educational settings. It emphasizes the need for educators to recognize and mitigate anxiety in order to foster a positive and supportive language learning environment.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Foreign language anxiety, second language acquisition, trait anxiety, state anxiety, situation-specific anxiety, communication apprehension, performance anxiety, self-efficacy, motivation, classroom interaction, language learning strategies, intercultural communication.
- Citar trabajo
- Isabell Horn (Autor), 2021, Foreign Language Anxiety. Conceptual Foundations, Selected Effects and Causes, and How to Reduce it, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1448924
