The Level and Sources of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety among Saudi EFL University Students

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the level and the sources of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety (FLSA). To achieve this aim, a mixed-method approach was used by implementing a questionnaire and interviews. Eighty-five female Saudi EFL university students completed the questionnaire. Six of the most highly anxious students were identified according to the questionnaire results and interviewed. The findings revealed that the participants experienced a moderate level of FLSA in their English class. In addition, there are several sources of FLSA, which can be listed in the following order: fear of making mistakes, forced participation, lack of vocabulary, lack of practice, lack of grammar. Participants also reported other sources of anxiety such as fear of making pronunciation mistakes, the negative attitude of teachers and the need to give oral presentations. Based on the results, the study reached a conclusion and constructed a set of recommendations.