Exploring the Link between Foreign Language Anxiety and Attitudes towards English among Turkish High School EFL Learners

Abstract

The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between foreign language anxiety (FLA) and attitudes towards English. A total 518 Turkish students studying at private and state high schools participated in the study.  Quantitative research design was adopted in the present study. Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and Attitudes towards English Scale were used as data collection tools. In order to analyze data, SPSS 23 software was used, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and correlation statistics were utilized. According to data analysis results, the study revealed that students’ FLA levels were at moderate level and they had negative attitudes towards English. The results of data analysis also indicated that there was a negative strong relationship between students’ FLA levels and their attitudes towards English. Although gender had a significant impact on students’ anxiety levels, grade levels of students were not seen as a factor strongly related to FLA. It was also found that ninth and tenth graders had more positive attitudes towards English classes. However, gender was not a predictive factor for students’ attitudes towards English. These results suggest that positive attitudes help students to overcome FLA. That is why, fostering positive and enjoyable language learning environment is significant to increase success in English.