The Effect of Communication Language Anxiety and Prior Learning Experience on Speaking Challenges and Strategies

The Case of Libyan Students in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions

Authors

  • Ahlam Ali Salim Halali Faculty of Languages, Department of English, Sebha University, Libya and Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia
  • Dr. Lilliati Ismail Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia
  • Professor. Dr. Arshad Abd Samad Taylor's University, Malaysia
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Bakar Razali Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nooreen Noordin Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v13i3.4745

Keywords:

communication language anxiety, prior learning experience, academic speaking challenges, academic speaking strategies

Abstract

Libyan students’ academic speaking challenges associated with language anxiety and lack of English prior learning experience could impede Libyan students’ communication abilities in international academic setting. Students need to develop certain learning strategies for academic speaking in response to these factors. Therefore, explanatory mixed-mode research design, the researcher conducted an online questionnaire with 223 respondents, followed by interviews with 15 informants and a focused group discussion. Field notes and member checks were also carried out for triangulation and validation. SPSS, NVivo, and AMOS analyses carried out were correlational procedures and structural equation modelling (SEM) using bootstrapping resampling analyses to investigate the relationships between variables, determine the validity of study models, and test the research hypotheses. It was found that academic speaking strategies are influenced by language challenges when communication language anxiety and prior learning experience mediate the effects of speaking challenges and the implementation of strategies meant to overcome them.

Author Biographies

  • Ahlam Ali Salim Halali, Faculty of Languages, Department of English, Sebha University, Libya and Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

    Ahlam Ali Salim Halali is a lecturer at Sebha University and PhD candidate, University Putra Malaysia. Her research interests include TESL, international students’ communication, and language testing. Email:   ahl.halali@sebhau.edu.ly  or gs52269@student.upm.edu.my

  • Dr. Lilliati Ismail, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

    Lilliati Ismail is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research interests include TESL and grammar instruction. Email: lilliati@upm.edu.my

  • Professor. Dr. Arshad Abd Samad, Taylor's University, Malaysia

    Arshad Abd Samad is a senior research fellow and professor at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. His research interests include TESL, grammar instruction and language testing. Email: arshad.abdsamad@taylors.edu.my

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Bakar Razali, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

    Abu Bakar Razali is a senior lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). His research interests are in TESL, particularly in English reading and writing instruction. Email: abmr_bakar@upm.edu.my

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nooreen Noordin, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

    Nooreen Noordin is a senior lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research interests are on language learning technology, content-based instruction and instructional best practices. Email: nooreen@upm.edu.my

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Published

2023-08-01

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2023): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English)

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How to Cite

The Effect of Communication Language Anxiety and Prior Learning Experience on Speaking Challenges and Strategies: The Case of Libyan Students in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions. (2023). Journal of International Students, 13(3), 362-388. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v13i3.4745