How Does Motivation Affect Communication Apprehension, Fear of Negative Evaluation and Test Anxiety among ESL Learners

Abstract

Motivation has been recognized as instrumental in the foreign language learning as it influences the actions, responses or attitudes taken by the learners and affects the learner's attainment of the language. In Malaysia, students are required to learn the English language formally in the classroom for a significant number of years. However, current trends and research findings reveal that students are uncomfortable in learning English which is perceived as daunting and distressing. This study explores the perception of learners on their motivation in learning English and its influence on the fear of learning a foreign language. This quantitative study collected responses from 131 diploma students from one public university in Malaysia. A 5-point Likert-scale survey instrument was utilised that comprised of three sections: Section A on demographic profile; Section B on motivation to learn; and section C on fear of learning a foreign language. The findings showed that while fear of learning foreign language is prevalent among ESL students, their motivation was not directly affected.