STUDY ON BELIEFS ABOUT LANGUAGE LEARNING, ROLE OF GENDER AND STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN RELATION TO SECOND LANGUAGE ANXIETY

Abstract

The study has given a myriad of insights and deeper understanding on the issue of second language anxiety, especially in Malaysia. This study encompassed several aspects in second language learning. The study focused on the relationship between second language anxiety and beliefs about language learning. Besides that, the role of gender in second language anxiety has also been one of the main focuses in the study. On top of that, this study also emphasised on the effect of second language anxiety on the second language achievement. To achieve the purpose, a study was conducted quantitatively among 334 respondents from a local public institution, which is a polytechnic in Negeri Sembilan. The respondents of the study were from Commerce Department which is the largest department in the institution. The respondents were the students from the third semester in the second year. This study used the modified version of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI). From the study, it is found that the second language anxiety of the students is moderately related to their beliefs about language learning. Besides, the second language achievement is negatively correlated with the second language anxiety, thus explains the low performance while experiencing high level of anxiety. This study also reveals that there is no significant difference found between male and female students in second language anxiety. It is anticipated for researchers to continue and expand the field of study in order to continue contributing to the body of knowledge on second language anxiety.