English Speaking Communication Apprehension Among Arabic - speaking Learners in a Study Abroad Context in Malaysia

Abstract

This study explored the situations influencing Arab learners’ communication apprehension in speaking English in a study abroad context. It investigated students’ communication apprehension level in four situations (talking in small group, talking in large meeting, talking in dyad, and talking to the public) encountered three interlocutors, I.e., a friend, an acquaintance, and a stranger while they were studying in Malaysian universities.  A total number of 42 participants involved in the study. The study adopted a quantitative approach. After collecting the data, dissipative and T- test analyses were used to examine it. The findings showed that participants had a moderate level (M: 3.19 SD:1.02, M: 3.30 SD :0.92, M: 3.25 SD:0.95, M: 3.16 SD: 0,95) in their communication apprehension in speaking English language in the four situations respectively and there was no significant statistical difference (P=3.32 > 0.05: T=1.003) in communication apprehension between postgraduate and undergraduate students. Arab students in Malaysia can develop their English-speaking confidence and ability to thrive academically and socially in order to get over their communication anxiety.