A Review of Research on Anxiety in Language Learning: Debates, Limitations, and Current Research Needs

Abstract

Although extensive research has been conducted in the area of foreign language anxiety, little effort has been made to synthesize past research on anxiety, particularly on divided views among researchers. Scant attention also has been paid to finding the limitations and current research needs on the topic. Thus, this paper summarizes past and current major research findings on anxiety and language learning--the relationship between foreign language anxiety and the four language skills, non-linguistic factors, and classroom practice. The paper also reviews and discusses the divided views of two groups of researchers over whether foreign language anxiety is a cause or a result of poor performance, as well as their positions behind the debates. Next, this paper discusses the limitations of previous anxiety research and also recounts current research needs. Finally, implications for practitioners are presented.