COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION: DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Communication apprehension (CA) is a widely discussed issue in the fields of language and communication and can emerge at various stages of an individual’s life, from early childhood to university studies and professional environments. It is often described as the anxiety or fear experienced during public speaking or when using language across different communicative activities. This paper aims to highlight key studies related to CA, with a specific focus on research situated within language-learning contexts. In addition, two constructs closely associated with CA willingness to communicate (WTC) and communication competence are reviewed to illustrate how these factors interact and influence communication behaviour. A concise overview of CA and its related issues is provided, leading to the development of a conceptual framework that integrates these variables. Relevant theories underpinning the topic are discussed, and the instruments commonly used to measure CA, WTC, and communication competence are outlined to support future research in this area.