Investigating Learner Beliefs as EFL Speaking Anxiety Factor at Public Sector Universities in Sindh

Abstract

The present study focuses on investigating learners’ own beliefs about EFL speaking as EFL speaking anxiety factors in a tertiary context. Three male urban, three male rural, three female urban, and three female rural students, six each of B.S part- I and B.S part- II classes from four major teaching Faculties; with five major departments/institutes from each Faculty at three general public sector universities i.e. University of Karachi, Karachi, University of Sindh, Jamshoro and Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur constitute the sample of this study. The data was collected in form of in-depth individual interviews which were later transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. In-depth individual interview instrument was preferred for data collection, as it is most widely used as an appropriate and reliable research method to explore qualitative variables. The results revealed learners’ own beliefs regarding EFL speaking as a significant source of learners’ EFL speaking anxiety.