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How Can You Cope with Second Language Anxiety?
There are two ways to deal with second language anxiety: reducing your anxiety and working to improve your language proficiency. The following lists are provided from various sources, such as related articles, workshop material, interviews, and personal communication with international instructors.Recognize your own feelings of second language anxiety
It is important to be able to identify your own feelings. Remind yourself that it is normal to experience the anxiety and other emotions you may be experiencing as a second language speaker. Keeping a personal journal can help during extremely stressful periods.Share your feelings with others
It is important to know that you are not the only one suffering from those feelings and that it is O.K. to have such feelings. You may find more support from others when you are more willing to share your feelings with them. You will be surprised that other colleagues have the same feelings. They may share their own experiences and coping strategies. You may also consult with a professional at Counseling and Consultation Service.Give yourself permission to be a less than perfect speaker of English
You need to set reasonable, achievable language learning goals for yourself to alleviate language anxiety and make the most of your language ability. You do not have to attempt to speak like a native speaker. When you have an unattainable goal, like trying to imitate native speakers, you can be easily frustrated at the failure to meet this goal and you may underestimate your language abilities. It is really difficult, if not impossible, to speak like a native speaker without an accent or achieve native speaker-like fluency as an adult nonnative speaker of English. Even people who have spent many years in the United States still retain their accents. Instead, you should give yourself permission to be a less than perfect speaker of English and a successful second language speaker in your own way, not a failed native speaker. In Belcher and Connor (2001), Jun Liu, a former Ohio State ITA and now professor at the University of Arizona said:It is true that I am not a native speaker of English, and never will be. But the quality of teaching is not determined by whether you are a native speaker or a non-native speaker.... I believe that the language I speak and the way I teach could make a difference in the students’ perception of me as a Chinese teaching English in the U.S. (pp. 128-129).
Give yourself credit for your language achievement
You need to appreciate the language skills you have achieved as a second language user. You are a multi-competent language user who can speak more than one language. When you are appreciative of your language achievement, you are more likely to try to improve your language while at the same time utilizing your current abilities.Have a positive attitude and be confident
A poorly conceived self-image can negatively affect your language performance and subsequently your teaching. Having confidence in yourself as a teacher and second language user can be a very powerful tool in teaching well, one that can be even stronger than your language proficiency. It does not mean that it is not important to recognize your limitations as a second language speaker and work to improve them. But, remember that it is important to focus on achievement rather than deficiencies in order to make the most of your existing abilities.Even when students complain about your accent, it is important to try and maintain a positive attitude. As a matter of fact, everyone has accent, everyone including the so-called native speakers. Students who have been more exposed to different languages, cultures, and geographies are better able to comprehend your message beyond accent. Communication requires not only a good tongue but also a good ear. The real issue here is what you do and what you plan to do for the students. This will eventually give way to communication and a sense of trust.
- Chan Park, Faculty, East Asian Languages & Literatures, South KoreaDon’t apologize for not using the same words the students would use or not having the same background that they have. I think you should just come out with great confidence and say,’“I am teaching this class and I’m the instructor, and if you don’t understand, come talk to me.”
– Anne Collinson, ITA, History, Canada
Think of your unique contribution as an international instructor
You need to build on your strengths while working on your weaknesses and think of your unique contribution as an international instructor. Make the most of your origin. As an international instructor, you can provide a comparative context in your teaching, which other, domestic instructors might not be able to provide.Be well prepared for class
One of the most effective ways to reduce your anxiety is to be well prepared for class and present your material with confidence. Remember that language could be one of the possible factors affecting your teaching, but not necessarily the primary or the only factor. There are other factors that influence effective teaching, such as your cultural knowledge, pedagogical skills, and presentation skills. You can participate in departmental or campus-wide workshops to improve your teaching, or consult with Faculty & TA Development.Use quick relaxation techniques
Deep breathing and progressive relaxation exercises are effective in reducing your anxiety. Psychologist Anthony Grasha (1987) suggests that tensing the body for a count of ten and then breathing deeply in and out to a count of four for a period of three to five minutes is especially effective after a tension-producing event. previous page |
