Apprehension in Language Learning Anxiety as Significant Correlate of Oral Performance in English of College Freshmen

Abstract

The study was conducted to understand the language learning anxieties and how these affect students’ speaking performance. It also attempted to give clarifications on the conflicting researches on the relationship between language anxiety and oral performance. Data was collected among 150 college freshmen enrolled in a semestral six-unit English course at the University of Mindanao, Panabo Campus. Using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scales (FLCAS) by Howritz, Howritz, and Cope (1986) and standardized telephone conversation activity test to determine the language anxiety and oral performance of respondents respectively, the researchers found that language anxiety specifically apprehension had an effect on oral performance in pronunciation, grammar, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary while tension impinged grammar. However, results generally revealed no significant relationship between language learning anxiety and oral performance. It is noteworthy to point out that tension, nervousness, and worry do not affect respondents’ oral performance. The researchers attributed this result to the respondents’ awareness of their weaknesses in the spoken English, to the length of time they were exposed in learning the English language and to the type of learning environment the respondents had.Keywords: Language learning anxiety, Oral Performance, College Freshmen students, University of Mindanao Panabo Campus