Naslov
New L3(s): Language Anxiety in English and the Role of Code- Switching in Istria

Autori
Selvaggi, Dino ; Poropat Jeletić, Nada

Izvornik
Rivista di psicolinguistica applicata (1592-1328) 18 (2018), 2; 90-109

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
language anxiety ; English as L3 ; foreign language ; Italophone ; Croatophone ; code-switching

Sažetak
This paper explores language anxiety in English as an L3 in the plurilingual context of the University of Pula (Croatia). English is replacing the former L3 (Italian) in both Croatophones with Croatian and Chakavian dialect as their L1/L2, and Italophones with Istrovenetian dialect and Italian as their L1/L2. The aim of this research was thus to identify the degree of foreign language anxiety in English as an L3, as well as to determine whether plurilingual code-switching plays a key role in reducing language anxiety. A Likert scale-based 26- item questionnaire adapted from Horwitz and Cope (1986) was administered to university students (N=59) in English. Data show high levels of language anxiety in English as L3/Lingua Franca, especially in sudden bi-directional student- student or instructor-student speaking tasks, suggesting a high L3 cognitive and emotional load. As for code-switching, it has a partial positive impact as a supportive tool in reducing students’ levels of language anxiety in cases of self-perceived low competence in the foreign language. Overall, the present investigation highlights how language anxiety is closely influenced by both sociolinguistic variables and inner psycholinguistic variables, with no significant differences between Croatophones and Italophones.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija

POVEZANOST RADA