Correlation between language anxiety and linguistic errors: A case study of form three students in Magumoni Division, Tharaka-Nithi County

Abstract

In this study, the correlation between language anxiety and frequency of linguistic errors in class presentations by form three students will be investigated. The study will be carried out in Magumoni ward, Tharaka-Nithi county. It seeks to establish the anxiety levels among different students during English language presentations, identify the errors in learners’ presentations and investigate the relationship between language anxiety and frequency of the linguistic errors. The data of this study will be collected through questionnaires, audio recording and observation. Random sampling will be used to identify the schools where the study will be undertaken and also to identify the sample population for the study. An adaptation of affective filter hypothesis (Krashen, 1987) and error analysis models will be used in this study. Error analysis (Corder, 1967) will be used in identifying and classifying the errors that the learners make in the cause of their presentation. After collecting the data, it will be closely studied and then coded according to themes and patterns. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics will be used in analysing the data. The research findings will be presented using summaries, discussions, graphs and percentages. It is hoped that the findings of this research will provide linguistic insight on the impact of language anxiety on classroom communication and language use.