Abstract:
The relationship between speaking anxiety and speaking performance is
complex and multifaceted. The ability to communicate fluently in English is
crucial for many English as a Second Language (ESL) learners because of
anxiety. However, many ESL learners face challenges in developing their
speaking skills, such as a lack of self-confidence, fear of making mistakes,
feeling nervous, panicking, and difficulties in applying grammar and
vocabulary knowledge in spontaneous speech. This research study delves into
the intricate relationship between speaking anxiety and speaking performance
among first-year Sport Science ESL undergraduates at the University of
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The primary objective of this research study is to
investigate the reasons for speaking anxiety and its effect on speaking
performance. This study included 50 first-year undergraduates from the Sports
Science Department of the Faculty of Science and the English Language
Teaching Coordinator. The data collection was performed by incorporating
questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observations. The study was
conducted using a mixed-method research method, where the collected
qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, while SPSS 23.0, is
used to analyze the quantitative data. As a result of the research findings, it
was determined that there is a lack of speaking performance due to anxiety,
and reasons for speaking anxiety are discovered. According to the researcher,
the study's findings can be used to identify the reasons for speaking anxiety
and this can be used as a guideline to reduce speaking anxiety by upgrading
the speaking performance of the ESL undergraduates of the Sports Science
Department.
