From Fear to Fluency: Exploring English Speaking Anxiety and Communication Willingness in UKM Undergraduates

Abstract

This research study explores Second Language Speaking Anxiety (SLSA) and Willingness to Communicate (WTC) levels among undergraduate students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Employing a quantitative methodology, the study aims to comprehensively understand these phenomena. The research sample comprises 102 participants from various academic disciplines at UKM. The primary objectives include evaluating SLSA and WTC levels and investigating their interconnections. The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) measures SLSA, while the WTC Scale assesses participants' WTC in English. Results indicate a high level of SLSA and a moderate level of WTC in English among students, with a strong negative correlation between the two constructs. These findings significantly contribute to the existing knowledge in second language acquisition. Future research should consider larger sample sizes for enhanced reliability and generalizability. Additionally, longitudinal studies can capture temporal patterns and trajectories of SLSA and WTC over time.