What Makes Learning to Speak in English Difficult? From ESL Learners' Perceptions

• In Event: 52.085 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 52.085-1 - Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

The present study seeks to understand sources of ESL learners’ English speaking difficulties by focusing on ESL learners’ perceptions of their English speaking difficulties. We first surveyed 38 ESL learners to investigate what they report as challenges to speak in English and how they perceive native English speakers’ (NESs’) reactions to their spoken English. We then examined 28 NESs’ reactions to ESL speakers’ spoken English. The results indicated that 1) ESL learners held the belief that NESs were biased against their foreign accents and reported intentionally avoiding speaking English with NESs and 2) NESs’ perceptions of ESL speakers differed significantly based on their foreign accent strength, indicating potential bias against ESL learners’ foreign accents. Implications of the findings were discussed.

Authors

• I-Ching Wang, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Xiaodong Lin, Teachers College, Columbia University