Second language learning anxiety in Malaysian classroom
List of Authors
  • Girija A/P Wathumalai , Parilah Mohd Shah

Keyword
  • Second language learning, anxiety, ESL, young learners, gender

Abstract
  • Learning English language is a typical phenomenon that takes place almost over 50 countries all over the world. However, anxiety among young students creates an impenetrable barrier to acquire English as a second language. This study’s main purpose, which used a survey methodology, was to study the second language anxiety experiences of Year 5 pupils and find out if there were any vast differences in anxiety experiences during second language learning based on gender. This study included about 80 Year 5 pupils from a primary school in the Johor Bahru, Malaysia. For this research, a questionnaire known as Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), developed by Horwitz et al. (1986) was implemented. The data reveal that anxiety is induced by experiences such as being frightened to talk in English, worry of not understanding English, being judged by others, making mistakes when speaking the language, and fear of forgetting learning topics. The research also suggests that teachers should recognize pupils’ anxiety in second language learning, provide a stress-free classroom environment and work together with parents to create opportunities for pupils to practice the language. The study's findings should serve as a wake- up call for instructors and parents in terms of assisting young learners in overcoming their fear in English language acquisition, whether in or out of the classroom.

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