Relationship between Anxiety and Oral Language Proficiency of EFL Learners

This study aimed at investigating the probable effect of anxiety on oral language proficiency of Iranian male and female EFL learners. To achieve the purposes of this study, 80 Iranian intermediate students (in the age range of 16-23, both male and female) studying English in Esfahan Jahad Daneshgahi institute during the 1393-1394 winter semester were selected. The foreign language speaking anxiety questionnaire, English language proficiency questionnaire and speaking test were used as investigation tools. The results showed that there was no significant difference observed between male and female learners in terms of anxiety level (t=0. 520, df=75, p=0.605). No significant difference was observed between male and female participants in terms of speaking ability (t=0.632, df=78, p=0.529). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between anxiety and proficiency level (r=0.276, p=0.013) and There was also a significant negative correlation between anxiety level and speaking ability (r=-0.302, p=0.006). As a result, anxiety has a negative influence on oral language proficiency of Iranian male and female EFL learners.

Keywords:

anxiety , oral language proficiency , (male and female EFL learners)