Unveiling the Voices Within: Navigating Speaking Anxiety Among English Language Learners towards Honing their Learning Strategies

Abstract

Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate, connect, and express ourselves. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate effectively in different languages has become an essential skill. In response to this demand, language instruction methods have evolved, placing a significant emphasis on the development of oral communication skills. This shift has been driven by the recognition that speaking is not only a fundamental aspect of language acquisition but also one of the most challenging. However, amidst the efforts to cultivate these skills, an often-overlooked obstacle emerges—speaking anxiety. This article delves into the evolution of language instruction methods, the complexity of oral communication, the impact of speaking anxiety in second language (L2) environments. Furthermore, the identification process explains how these factors affect students’ ability to learn and perform in an instructional environment, given that L2 classrooms are often structured according to the formation of groups with different dynamics that may have a more significant effect or impact on learners’ speaking anxiety.