Speaking Anxiety of Tertiary-Level Learners of English in Bangladesh: an Investigation into the Predicaments and Prospects

Abstract

Foreign language anxiety (FLA) is one of the major affective factors that influence the process of foreign language learning. This study examined the causes of foreign language anxiety and its impact on the oral performance of the students of an English language course at a private university in Bangladesh. An action research project attempted to illustrate how this foreign language anxiety could be minimized by adopting entertaining activities in the class. The study employed qualitative method using in-depth semi-structure interviews, field notes, and audio-video recordings of the oral performance of the learners. The thematic analysis highlighted a substantial gap between the English learning of Bangladeshi university students and their speaking anxiety. The findings of this research suggest that creating a stress-free environment through enjoyable activities helps reduce learner anxiety and maximizes speaking output. The study uncovers a new dimension of the nature of FLA experienced by English learners at the tertiary level, which may help teachers adapt teaching materials and sustain the classroom environment to ensure maximum outcomes in the EFL context.