Keywords

L2 anxiety, Spanish-speaking adult ESL populations, Spanish-speaking adult ESL students, ESL students, English language institute, possible causes, cultural influences

Abstract

Anxiety has been identified as a plausible factor affecting second language (L2) acquisition. However, more research is needed on how anxiety may influence Spanish-speaking adult English as a Second Language (ESL) populations. Determining precisely what causes anxiety in Spanish-speaking adult ESL populations should be of interest not only to L2 researchers but also to ESL instructors who may have adult Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) in their classes. This study researched L2 anxiety in Spanish-speaking adult ESL learners. Specifically, it considered possible causes and cultural influences of L2 anxiety in 10 Spanish-speaking adult ESL students at a university English language institute (ELI). Participants were given a choice of completing an English or Spanish version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and then participated in follow-up interviews. Results were documented and evaluated. A total of 14 causes of L2 anxiety were identified, including incompatible goals, using English in professional contexts, the native country, and the need for error correction. Finally, contrary to the literature, collaborative group work was found to cause L2 anxiety in Spanish-speaking adult ESL students enrolled at a language institute.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2010

Advisor

Mihai, Florin

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Modern Languages

Degree Program

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003050

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003050

Language

English

Release Date

April 2011

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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