Article Details
  • Published Online:
    December  2024
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of English Studies
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJES171224
  • Author Name:
    C Lakshmi and Martha Karunakar
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Arts and Humanities
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    198- 219
Design and Implementation of a Modified Language Anxiety Scale for Tamil Learners of English
Abstract

This paper implements and evaluates the adapted version of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) of Horwitz et al. (1986) for Indian English learners whose first language is Tamil. FLCAS was modified so that language learners with lower proficiency in English can read the items in Tamil and improve its response process validity. The adapted scale has the original English statements as well as the Tamil translated version. The adapted FLCAS, along with English FLCAS, was administered to 260 students in various higher education institutions in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who are required to learn English as their second language. Previous studies have established the reliability and validity of FLCAS in measuring language anxiety among learners, forming a solid foundation for its adaptation and use in diverse linguistic contexts. This study contributes to the field by examining the internal consistency and validity of the adapted FLCAS among Tamil English language learners. Revisions to the translations were made based on the feedback from the survey participants and peer educators. The results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of FLCAS in assessing English language anxiety among Tamil learners learning English as a second language.

Introduction

The emotional state of a second language learner influences the language learning process. The relationship between language anxiety, learner motivation, and second language learning is already well established in ELT literature.