Second language anxiety

Photo source: Modern Welsh Dictionary, ed. Gareth King, Oxford University Press

Hello again,

I frequently come across students who are really nervous about speaking English even if they actually speak English really well. In fact, I was a little like that too, especially when I was learning French. I read ‘Le Monde’ every day and developed a wide vocabulary. However, I hated making mistakes when I spoke. So much so that I rarely said anything at all in classes and even less when visiting France. I now see what a mistake this was. Indeed, I only really overcame this when I started learning Welsh and the teacher told me not to worry about grammar too much and that it was okay to make mistakes (thanks to the SSIW crew and Nia!). So, here are a few tips for those, like I used to be, anxious about speaking in another language.

  1. Practice Speaking: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Speaking is a crucial part of language learning. Find language exchange partners or join language meet-up groups to practice with native speakers.
  2. Create a Supportive Environment: Let friends and family know about your language learning journey. Having a support system can boost your confidence and motivation.
  3. Focus on Fluency, Not Perfection: Remember that language learning is a gradual process. Aim for fluency and effective communication rather than perfection. Perfection can come later, but it won’t come first especially if you are too anxious to speak the language.
  4. Learn from Mistakes: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as opportunities to learn and improve.
  5. Have fun: Try and do something you like doing, reading, watching a TV series, or even just having a chat, but do it in your target language, not in your native tongue.

Hope you find these tips helpful. I look forward to any further thoughts or comments.

All the best!

Kevin

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Author: Kevin Beaverstock

Kevin is a linguistics consultant and English-language specialist with a background in higher education in the UK and China. A native speaker of English and a Cambridge-qualified teacher (CELTA), he holds an MA in Applied Linguistics as well as a degree in International Relations from the University of London (LSE). He has also learned Welsh as a second language. His teaching and consultancy work centres on English for Academic Purposes (EAP), academic communication, and language learning for professional and research contexts. He has also worked on teacher training and professional development programmes, as well as consultancy services for the European Commission. — Mae Kevin yn ymgynghorydd ieithyddiaeth ac yn arbenigwr yn y Saesneg, gyda chefndir mewn addysg uwch yn y Deyrnas Unedig ac yn Tsieina. Mae’n siaradwr brodorol o Saesneg ac yn athro cymwysedig gan Gaergrawnt (CELTA), ac mae ganddo radd MA mewn Ieithyddiaeth Gymhwysol yn ogystal â gradd mewn Cysylltiadau Rhyngwladol o Brifysgol Llundain (LSE). Mae hefyd wedi dysgu’r Gymraeg fel ail iaith. Mae ei waith addysgu ac ymgynghori yn canolbwyntio ar Saesneg at Ddibenion Academaidd (EAP), cyfathrebu academaidd, a dysgu ieithoedd ar gyfer cyd-destunau proffesiynol ac ymchwil. Mae hefyd wedi gweithio ar raglenni hyfforddi athrawon a datblygiad proffesiynol, yn ogystal â gwasanaethau ymgynghori i'r Comisiwn Ewropeaidd.

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