English Speaking Anxiety: A Study of the Effect of Gender on Iranian EFL University Students’ Perceptions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine Iranian EFL university students’ level of anxiety and their perceptions towards in-class activities during speaking courses and possible causes of apprehension. Moreover, this study investigated whether or not EFL university students’ gender differences affect their perceptions of foreign language speaking anxiety. To this end, data were collected from 175 Iranian EFL learners; 125 females and 50 males through Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) adopted from Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope (1986) followed by a structured interview. The findings showed that the level of females’ anxiety was significantly higher than that of males in impromptu speaking activities. Moreover, instructors could have an essential role in reducing the speaking anxiety. Results of the interviews confirmed the findings obtained through the questionnaire.