The influence of anxiety in second language learning: A case study with reference to engineering students in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the influence of anxiety in second language learning amongst engineering college students in the least literacy rate district in Tamil Nadu. Methods: Researchers used mixed research design that includes quantitative and qualitative methods. To investigate the levels of anxiety among the L2 learners, adopted AMTB1 questionnaire has been used (N=190) and unstructured interview (N=19) has been conducted. The quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's internal reliability and Pearson Correlation coefficient. Findings: The results of the study exposed that English class anxiety and English use anxiety was correlated; hence the ESL learners are more anxious to use English inside and outside the classroom. Applications/Improvements: The language instructor could bring innovative thoughts and positive believes through alternative method of teaching in their classroom.