An In-Depth Analysis of the Sources and Coping Mechanisms of Language Anxiety in English Classrooms for Non-Major Students

Nguyen Kim Dung

doi:10.56201/ijee.v12.no.2.2026.pg171.181

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An In-Depth Analysis of the Sources and Coping Mechanisms of Language Anxiety in English Classrooms for Non-Major Students

Nguyen Kim Dung

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the sources of language anxiety and the coping mechanisms employed by non-major students in Vietnam within English classrooms. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured in- depth interviews with 15 students from various disciplines and were thematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the primary sources of anxiety stem not only from pedagogical factors but predominantly from social comparison pressure and the fear of negative evaluation by peers in the same major, a phenomenon linked to the cultural concept of "saving face". To cope, students tend to use emotion-focused avoidance strategies such as maintaining silence, over-preparing for speaking tasks as a "safety net", and practicing only within "comfort zones" with close friends. These findings are significant as they reveal that these negative coping mechanisms create a vicious cycle that impedes progress. Consequently, the study highlights the urgent need to cultivate a psychologically safe learning environment where instructors should adopt discreet error correction methods and proactively guide students toward positive coping strategies, thereby breaking down psychological barriers and enhancing learning effectiveness.

Keywords

Language anxietynon-major studentscoping mechanismsEnglish learning in universityVietnam.

References

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An In-Depth Analysis of the Sources and Coping Mechanisms of Language Anxiety in English Classrooms for Non-Major Students

Abstract

Keywords

References

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