A STUDY ON UNIVERSITY NON-ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ANXIETY

Abstract

This study investigates the levels of foreign language speaking anxiety (FLSA) among non-English major students at a public university of economics in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Utilizing the Foreign Language Anxiety Scale (FLAS) developed by Horwitz et al. (1986), 120 second-year students were surveyed to determine their anxiety levels when participating in English-speaking classes. The results indicate that 89% of students experience significant anxiety, with 69% reporting moderate anxiety levels, 18% high anxiety, and 13% low anxiety. Additionally, gender differences in anxiety levels were analyzed, revealing that male students generally exhibit higher anxiety than female students. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing speaking anxiety to enhance language proficiency and academic success. Recommendations for educators include fostering supportive learning environments, promoting positive attitudes, and employing engaging teaching methods. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and explore the underlying causes of FLSA to develop comprehensive intervention strategies. Article visualizations: