A Positive Psychology Perspective on Foreign Language Anxiety and Enjoyment of Vietnamese University Students | [Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Le Cong Tuan: School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Campus 1, 411 30/4 Street, Can Tho, Vietnam

2. Trinh Quoc Lap: School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Campus 1, 411 30/4 Street, Can Tho, Vietnam

3. Van Thi Kim Trinh: School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Campus 1, 411 30/4 Street, Can Tho, Vietnam

4. Vo Thi Diem My: School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Campus 1, 411 30/4 Street, Can Tho, Vietnam

Abstract:

Learners' emotions and well-being in language learning seem to receive insufficient exploration. This research, therefore, studied the levels and features of foreign language anxiety and foreign language enjoyment among Vietnamese university students and the factors that influence these two emotions during the learning process. Understanding anxiety and enjoyment could be essential because a positive psychology stand posits that negative emotions should be limited and positive emotions should be facilitated to make learning an enjoyable experience. Participants were 81 non-English-major students from different disciplines and levels of English proficiency. The principal instrument was a questionnaire adapted from Dewaele and MacIntyre (2014). Five students participated in interviews for in-depth information. The results showed that anxiety and enjoyment in learning English were relatively high, with the two emotions getting nearly identical average mean scores, although they were not significantly correlated. Gender was found not to cause differences in enjoyment and anxiety. Qualitative data revealed that teacher-related issues, test anxiety, and communication opportunities inside and outside the classroom are the elements that create fluctuations in emotions. Practical implications are discussed, and recommendations are made for further research on EFL learners' emotions because these are among the key factors influencing students' learning and well-being.

Page(s): 3138-3152

DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2025-23.1.00249

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, Volume: 23, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Anxiety Enjoyment English Learning Influential Factors Positive Psychology University Students

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[35] . .Even if I am well prepared for my English class, I feel anxious about it. , : .

[36] . .12) I always feel that the other students speak English better than I do. , : .

[37] . .13) I can feel my heart pounding when I am called in English class. , : .

[38] . .14) I do not worry about making mistakes in English class. , : .

[39] . .15) I feel confident when I speak in the English class. , : .

[40] . .16) I get nervous and confused when I am speaking in my English class. , : .

[41] . .17) I start to panic when I have to speak without preparation in English class. , : .

[42] . .It embarrasses me to volunteer answers in my English class. , : .

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