Being nervous or shy is a normal and natural part of learning a language—especially as an adult. It is a common experience, but for many it can be impossible to overcome. Our feelings significantly influence our ability to learn, and negative emotions, particularly anxiety, can become barriers to progress and language learning success. This article will explain how anxiety and shyness can impact your language learning, where those negative feelings might come from (and whether they are justified!) and give you some ideas and approaches to deal with the emotions you feel when you speak a second language. Using these tools will help your learning become much more effective, but more importantly, you will have fun!
Emotions when you learn
For many, language learning is an emotional journey. Your language skills could affect your career and relationships. There's pressure and stress. People don't want to make mistakes. People don't like to look stupid or incapable. But there is also excitement and reward. There is satisfaction and the joy of small wins and great success. The emotions connected to language learning are called the "affective dimension". The affective dimension encompasses all the feelings, attitudes, and motivations that language learners experience throughout their learning process.
In academic literature, the most famous framework for understanding emotions in learning languages is Stephen Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis. Krashen (1982) argued that emotional variables like anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence act as a filter. When a learner is stressed or self-conscious, the "filter" is up, blocking the brain from processing input, even if the teaching is excellent.
Hopefully, you experience positive emotions like motivation and curiosity, which can fuel learning. However, negative emotions, especially anxiety, can act as a handbrake on language learning progress. This is where the affective filter comes in. The affective filter is a psychological barrier that impedes language acquisition. When this filter is high (triggered by anxiety, fear, or boredom), a learner becomes less receptive to input, hindering the subconscious processing of the language.
Academic research consistently highlights the correlation between high anxiety levels and lower levels of language achievement. Students with high anxiety are less likely to participate in class, take risks in speaking, or seek out language practice opportunities outside of the classroom.
But I think you already know that. Stress, fear and anxiety are bad. But where do these feelings come from?
The origins of language anxiety
Before you can tackle any language anxiety you might feel, you need to understand what causes those nasty feelings. If you are an enlightened and self-aware person, you might already know what causes your own anxiousness. But it is worth considering common sources of these fears. They are diverse, but there are some common themes. Research by Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986) identified specific components of foreign language anxiety:
1. Fear of negative evaluation: This is perhaps the most prominent source of anxiety in learning languages. Learners may fear being judged by their peers, teachers, or other speakers. This fear can stem from previous negative experiences, a perfectionist mindset, or a general lack of self-confidence.
2. Communication apprehension: Some people are naturally shy or apprehensive about communication or being around other people in general (the shy, introverted type), and this can be even worse when you are trying to speak in a foreign language. The inability to articulate thoughts and feelings effectively can lead to frustration and withdrawal.
3. Test anxiety: While common in all subjects, test anxiety can be particularly acute in language learning. The pressure to perform well on oral exams or listening comprehension tests can lead to significant distress—even more so if your test score is tied to a promotion, moving country or other major life event or milestone.
4. Social comparison: Constant comparison with other learners can breed feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Learners may perceive other speakers of their target language as more competent, further worsening their anxiety.
5. Cognitive overload: Sometimes, the sheer volume of new information, including unfamiliar vocabulary, complex grammar rules, and cultural nuances, can lead to cognitive overload. This can result in feelings of exhaustion and helplessness, culminating in anxiety.
Is language anxiety justified?
It’s crucial to acknowledge that language anxiety is a real and valid experience. Everyone experiences. I have been learning and speaking Japanese since 1990, and I am still sometimes nervous if I have to speak to strangers (especially when the stakes are high!). It’s not simply a sign of laziness or a lack of intelligence. However, it's essential to question the degree to which any anxiety you feel is justified.
While some level of discomfort is inevitable in the learning process, excessive anxiety is counterproductive. It’s important to remember:
- Making mistakes is part of the process. No one becomes fluent in a foreign language overnight. Errors are not only inevitable but, in fact, you need to make mistakes to grown and improve.
- Native speakers are generally patient and supportive. Most native speakers appreciate the effort to speak their language and are willing to help. If you feel the person you are speaking to is not patient, that's a them problem!
- Perfection is not the goal. Communication is the goal. Focus on conveying your message rather than achieving perfect grammar and pronunciation.
- You are not alone. Many other language learners experience similar anxieties.
How to overcome language anxiety
You can overcome language anxiety, and if you do it will improve your ability to deal with stress in other aspects of your life as well.
Here are some strategies to help you confront and overcome it:
1. Create a supportive learning environment:
- Find a supportive teacher: A supportive teacher will create a safe space for you to make mistakes and learn from them. Do not underestimate the importance of the vibe you have with your teacher.
- Form a study group: Learning with others who are facing similar challenges can be incredibly encouraging.
- Engage in positive self-talk: Challenge negative thoughts with positive and encouraging statements.
2. Reframing mistakes:
- See mistakes as opportunities: Shift your perspective from seeing mistakes as failures to viewing them as learning opportunities.
- Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate every step you take towards your language learning goals.
3. Practice mindfully:
- Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or visualization can help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Start with low-stakes situations: Begin by speaking in situations where you feel comfortable, such as with a supportive language partner or in a low-pressure environment.
4. Seek feedback with curiosity, not fear:
- Ask for clarification: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from teachers or more experienced speakers. Focus on understanding why a certain phrase or word is incorrect, rather than feeling judged.
5. Manage expectations:
- Be realistic about your goals: Focus on setting achievable goals rather than striving for immediate fluency.
- Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate the progress you are making, no matter how small.
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Language learning anxiety is a common challenge, but it is one that can be overcome. By understanding its origins, questioning why you feel it, and implementing effective strategies, you can lower your affective filter and open up new ways to succeed in your language learning.
Don't let fear silence you. With patience, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can find your voice and embrace all the benefits of an enriching language acquisition journey.