THE POWER OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE: UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANXIETY AMONG THAI-SPEAKING MINORITY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIAN NATIONAL SCHOOLS

Abstract

Communication apprehension refers to the feeling of anxiety or fear that individuals experience when they need to communicate with others. In the context of foreign language learning, communication apprehension can have significant implications on learners' abilities to learn, use, and acquire the language effectively, yet studies on it as one of the key components contributing to anxiety in language learning especially among minority learners are still scarce. This study examines communication apprehension as one of the four components recognised to spark anxiety in foreign language learning. The focus was directed at a group of Thai-speaking Malaysian secondary school students, who are always addressed as the minority ethnic groups in this country. As a minority race, it is believed that this population may have unique experiences and challenges in learning English as a foreign language, which have not been extensively studied before. The findings contribute to the existing literature by examining foreign language anxiety from the perspective of minority Thai-speaking students, identifying anxiety-inducing situations, and offering recommendations for educational interventions to address communication apprehension. It was found that these students were uncomfortable or anxious in a variety of situations when speaking in English mainly when participating in impromptu tasks. The findings contribute to the identification of specific situations that can trigger anxiety and hinder language learning progress among them. It is hoped that this knowledge can guide educators in designing appropriate instructional approaches and creating a supportive classroom environment. Therefore, educators are recommended to offer more attention to the special needs of learners who struggle with communication anxiety by developing a friendly and secure learning environment where these students can confidently practise their ways of interacting. This is important to help them build confidence and self-esteem and thus alleviate unnecessary anxieties.