KEYNOTE. From Apprehension to Expression: Exploring Foreign Language Anxiety in Adults

Kurzfassung/Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) exists among adults in German-speaking countries and how it manifests itself in order to develop didactic implications for intervention. An online questionnaire based on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz et al., 1986) and respective modifications (Böttger & Költzsch, 2020) was used, along with closed and open-ended questions. The findings (n=412) confirmed the prevalence of FLA (31.7% with a strong manifestation), which was found to vary in different situations. Next to physical (e.g., palpitation) and behavioural symptoms (e.g., avoidance strategies), anxiousness and nervousness were reported and hinted to be person-dependent and situation independent. Finally, didactic consequences are drawn.