Speaking Anxiety Among ESL Students: A Case Study of the Undergraduate Students of Social Sciences at a Public University

Abstract

ESL learners have difficulty communicating second language inside and outside the classes, a highlighted phenomenon in post-colonial countries. This study aimed to investigate the level of speaking anxiety among Pakistani ESL university undergraduate students at a public university in Sindh, Pakistan. This study was conducted using SLSAS. The explanatory research design was employed, and descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. According to the findings of this study, students often exhibit communication anxiety when speaking English language. When taking or preparing for an English-speaking test, they feel similar to moderately high anxiety levels but are more confused about it. The students also felt some anxiety about their English language studies; they were concerned about showing up to class, engaging in class discussions, and understanding everything the teacher communicated in the class. Male students more frequently agreed with the statements about communication anxiety and speaking test anxiety than female students. The results from the five departments did not significantly differ regarding speaking anxiety. A second language learning laboratory can help students to practice the English language effectively.