Exploring the Relationship between Language Anxiety and the Monitor Hypothesis in ESL Learners

Hui Li

doi:10.63313/LLCS.9019

Authors

Hui Li School of Foreign Languages, China West Normal University, NanChong 637009, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9019

Keywords:

ESL learners, language anxiety, Monitor Hypothesis, communication apprehen-sion, test anxiety, self-correction, fluency, accuracy

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between language anxiety and Stephen Krashen's Monitor Hypothesis in ESL learners. The Monitor Hypothesis distinguishes between subconscious language acquisition and conscious learning, with the monitor being a mechanism for self-correction based on learned rules. Language anxiety, including communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation, significantly affects language performance. The study finds that high language anxiety hinders the monitor's effectiveness by causing either over-reliance on self-correction, leading to fragmented speech, or by overwhelming cognitive resources, resulting in under-utilization and increased errors. Moderate anxiety levels may enhance the monitor's function by increasing attentiveness to form without disrupting fluency. The paper suggests creating supportive learning environments, balancing fluency and accuracy, and providing constructive feedback to help ESL learners manage anxiety and use their monitors effectively. Future research should explore longitudinal studies, individual differences, and interventions to further understand and improve the interplay between language anxiety and the Monitor Hypothesis.

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