The relationship between communication apprehension and linguistic fluency: an analysis of North African and Russian immigrants in France

Abstract

North African and Russian immigrants in France were recruited (334) to complete a survey investigating the relationships between communication apprehension (CA) and linguistic fluency. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between linguistic fluency in the dominant language and CA, meaning individuals who are fluent in the dominant language tend to be less apprehensive. Moreover, independent samples t-tests revealed Russian immigrants score higher on CA than do North African immigrants. Theoretical implications regarding the importance of studying Islam, linguistic fluency, and cultural adaptation are presented.