The influence of foreign language anxiety on language attitudes among ESP students

Abstract EN

This paper is a practical undertaking dealing with a sociolinguistic aspect of language attitudes based on research data obtained from first year students of Tlemcen Preparatory School in Technology and Techniques; henceforth (EPST).

Learners’ evaluations are discussed to investigate their opinions on the learned foreign languages in accordance with their language anxiety.

The findings indicate that first year students experienced fear and lack of confidence when performing foreign language class work.

They also felt negative evaluation, even though, the respondents expressed the idea that French and particularly English are necessary to have access to science and knowledge.

It was widely recognized that the ability to communicate in French as well as English was a desirable skill, whether to further a career or merely for personal use.

Gender difference appeared clearly when English was better evaluated by girls, mainly at the level of actual performance.

Consequently language anxiety, however, may hinder the learner’s progress and level of proficiency in the target language.