“Examining English Speaking Anxiety Among Hindi-Medium Female Students in Dehradun”

Abstract

This study explores English-speaking anxiety among Hindi-medium female students in secondary and senior secondary schools in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, an area which is relatively under-researched when it comes to English language teaching research in India. Using a mixed-method approach, quantitative data were gathered using a 31-item survey based on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale from 93 participants, while qualitative data came through open-ended questions and interviews. Results showed a high level of English-speaking anxiety, with the shame from making mistakes in English the most prominent feature. It was found that the Ridicule Cycle was the main driving force behind English-speaking anxiety, where public ridicule creates ongoing fear of speaking English. Despite a positive attitude towards English language, it is also seen that there is widespread behavior of avoiding to speak English, thus resulting in a contradiction, which can be accounted to structural shortcomings in oral classroom practice.