The influence of affect in language learning: a focus on anxietyÂ

Résumé

Due to the prevalence of affective variables in the foreign language learning process, this study aims at mapping out, analyzing and discussing the generating factors of the Foreign Language Anxiety (Horwitz et al, 1991) experienced by a group of Brazilian students learning English. The investigation was carried out in an English language school located in São Carlos, state of São Paulo, Brazil and the subjects were twenty-nine elementary and low intermediate level students. The methodological approach was the case study and the research instruments used were a scale, diaries and semi-structured interviews. The authors identified the constituent factors of the Foreign Language Anxiety, communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation and test anxiety as prominent in the generation of the anxiety experienced by the subjects of this study. Because of the interdependency of these anxiety factors, it was concluded that their identification might be relevant so as to orientate new research and also to guide language teachers who may face this problem with their students.