Exploring the Factors of Foreign Language Anxiety Among Chinese Undergraduate English Majors and Non-English Majors

Abstract

The study aims to examine three factors of foreign language anxiety i.e. speaking anxiety, foreign language classroom anxiety and teacher-generated anxiety, among Chinese English majors and non-English majors. The data were analysed to find out which of these factors invoke more anxiety. Research data collection was done via Foreign Language Anxiety Scale. A total number of subjects are 101, including 51 English majors and 50 non-English majors, with Chinese as their mother-tongue and learning English as a second language at university. The results revealed that English majors feel the middle level of foreign language speaking and classroom anxiety while Non-English majors experience high level of foreign language speaking and classroom anxiety. Moreover, both groups felt more anxious when they spoke to the teacher. Keeping in view the results of the study, some follow-up studies are recommended.