Language Anxiety Among Adult Learners in Uitm Sarawak

Abstract

Language anxiety is one of the factors that needs to be considered in learning and teaching second or foreign language. Language anxiety can be defined as the feelings of uneasiness, worry, nervousness, self-doubt, frustration and apprehension (Brown, 2001) experienced by non-native speakers when learning or using a second or foreign language. Learners respond to language anxiety differently. This study investigates the language anxiety levels and coping strategies applied by adult learners of UiTM Sarawak in using English as a medium of instruction. The subjects of the study involved those between 45 to 50 years of age. The data collection was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results from the study show that the adult learners have different levels of language anxiety and they have also adopted several strategies in coping with their anxiety. The conclusion of the study presents suggestions and recommendations on ways in handling anxiety in both teaching and learning second language.