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A Relational Model for Managing Second Language Anxiety
Author(s) -
FOSS KAREN A.,
REITZEL ARMEDA C.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
tesol quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.737
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1545-7249
pISSN - 0039-8322
DOI - 10.2307/3587288
Subject(s) - psychology , anxiety , linguistics , cognitive psychology , cognitive science , philosophy , psychiatry
Researchers and teachers in the fields of speech communication and second language acquisition have been concerned with the phenomenon of communication anxiety. Although the anxieties experienced by native speakers of a language differ somewhat from those experienced by nonnative speakers, we suggest that students' perceptions of their communication abilities and performances must be taken into account when dealing with the anxiety responses of both groups. This article proposes that a relational model of communication competence developed by Spitzberg and Cupach (1984) can be used as a foundation for understanding and working with students experiencing anxiety in using a second language. Specific exercises for helping students manage their perceptions of their communication are offered.