THE FEAR OF SPEAKING WITH MISTAKES: A BARRIER TO FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

This article investigates the psychological phenomenon of "foreign language anxiety," specifically focusing on the fear of making mistakes as a significant barrier to language acquisition. The study explores how the apprehension of grammatical or pronunciation errors inhibits student participation, reduces oral fluency, and fosters a "silent period" that hinders communicative competence. By examining the intersection of affective filters and linguistic performance, the research identifies the cognitive load caused by self-monitoring. The findings suggest that this fear is not merely a lack of knowledge but a psychological block that can lead to long-term avoidance behaviors. The article concludes by proposing pedagogical strategies, such as error-tolerant classroom environments and task-based learning, to mitigate anxiety and promote learner confidence