Overcoming Language Anxiety:

In this blog post I want to normalise and identify a few triggers of language learning anxiety to show that you aren’t alone and everyone experiences these things to a certain extent and that it’s all a part of your language learning journey.

So they say you have to face your dragons. So let’s face those dragons head on!

The fear of making mistakes

• Often learners of a foreign language experience some form of anxiety. I say just keep speaking you will be given feedback how and when you ask for it.

• I myself deal with this from time to time when I am speaking German. My solution is to practice speaking by myself out loud and reading my course book or a book in German.

Lack of linguistic knowledge

• When you have not yet earned enough vocabulary, grammar, or worked on your pronunciation skills this can also trigger anxiety.
• Speaking can therefore become extremely stressful and this may throw you off balance when you have been prepping and preparing only to be overwhelmed with negative emotions and experience.
• I suggest that you get yourself to elementary level so that you can understand what is being said and can communicate to a basic level before then speaking practice might not be your best option but if you learn better that way don’t let me stop you! Do what is best for you, overall you will know what feels best for you personally.

Communication apprehension

• When you are anxious or have anxiety when talking with another person in your target foreign language this can make you feel overwhelmed. I’m here to say that it’s ok to feel that way and if you need a break or a pause to just say I would like to work on something else right now if that’s ok.

Test anxiety

• With the added pressure of learning a foreign language we sometimes have exams (if that’s what you are working towards), and specifically oral exams which can be nerve wracking.
• By taking mock exams that you can find on YouTube and online by typing it into the search bar you can filter out what level and test yourself with mock exams so that you are prepared and have a feeling for what the real test will be like.

Fear of negative evaluations

• This can also shine a torch on your anxiety when you are concerned how natives or others may judge your language abilities.
• My tip is if some people want to be unhelpful they can be but most of us are happy and willing to help you. Look for those who will support you and who want to uplift you in your language learning journey they are never too far away from you.

Formal classroom environment

• In traditional learning environments particularly a formal classroom setting with rules upon rules. This can create an unhealthy anxious environment. Which is why I am the opposite!
• I believe in making people comfortable and creating a safe stable environment in which I tailor and adapt myself to your needs and energy because I want to help people speak with ease and to enjoy their language learning journey.

Social and cultural factors

• If you are learning a foreign language which isn’t the language of the land or place you are living in this can be quite tricky. I said tricky but not impossible as there is always a way around a situation if you look for one.
• Thanks to the internet we can learn a language from the comfort of our homes and on the go.
• There are plenty of resources online.
• Another concern is cultural differences and not wanting to offend the other person and other concerns but if you are learning and clearly state that do not worry.

Individual factors

• If you are a highly sensitive person, introverted or have a different style to  learning I say embrace those qualities.
• Just remember to do your best and from time to time challenge yourself and before long you will be making progress in leaps and bounds.
• Don’t let people or their opinions of you or the way you learn dictate the direction or speed of where you are going because you are a unique individual and have your own way of doing things.
• If you suffer with a lack of motivation to learn a foreign language then it could be because your goal isn’t big enough or you think it’s too easy to achieve and you will do it at the last minute whatever your reasoning is.
• I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions. Ask yourself why am I learning this language? What can learning this language do for me in my future? What are three things I like about the language? Ask yourself the whys and see what you need to do to progress forward.
• If you have anxiety because you haven’t had the chance to speak to a native speaker of your target language then it can be daunting to start speaking but even if it is by yourself or your pet speak loud enough for yourself to pronounce the words correctly take 3 breaths in and breathe out slightly longer than you breathed in and do that until you have found yourself to be calmer and just begin.

Instructor’s role

• With an unsupportive or overly critical teacher this can exacerbate language learning anxiety.
•  It is extremely important to find a teacher, coach who has humanity, time and creates a safe language learning space. Not only does this make the atmosphere calmer but the whole language learning experience can actually be fun and enjoyable.
• One thing which I personally love to witness is watching people bloom with their new found confidence when practicing their language learning skills and seeing them empowered and able.

Cognitive reactions

• This means when you have thoughts like “I will never be able to speak English confidently” or “This is impossible for me to do” I would say now let’s challenge this belief because that’s what you can do. This is what I can help you do.
• Negative beliefs can not only be challenged but conquered because if I say all you need to do is learn 1 new word for an entire week (anyone can do this it’s just an example). You will after multiple hours of practicing this one word would have trouble forgetting it.
• With practice comes patience and in the right environment anything is possible!

To all of these strategies I can provide the solution and by booking a session with me you will have a calm, patient understanding coach who wants you to feel relaxed as you practice your English speaking. All sessions will be online, I am encouraging and I care about doing my best to help you be able to feel confident and proud in yourself. Remember that any progress you make going forward in your speaking is great. I provide positive feedback and I am looking into offering pre-recorded speaking practice outside of the lesson in case you are on the go (I will be making these hopefully before summer).

I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Take care,

Leah