The examination of listening anxiety level of the students who learn Turkish as a foreign language

Abstract

In 21st century which witnesses a range of extraordinary technological improvements; along with the world’s turning into global-village-like place, it is a vital need that a common communication network being built up as a result of the interaction among the people whose nation, culture, language and beliefs differ drastically. With the aim of meeting this need, developed and developing countries have started to perform various studies in order to spread their languages all around the world. Similarly, one of those countries is Turkey where many studies are conducted in favour of teaching Turkish as a foreign language systematically and effectively. It is obvious that most of the studies are generally centered upon 'learning environment', 'curriculum' or 'learning materials'. However, cognitive-psychological dimension of learning is ignored. During the process of speaking, reading or writing in the foreign language, learners frequently develop anxiety and desperation. With the high level of anxiety, success in language education decreases considerably. This is the case for the listening skill which has an important place in language development. Since learners need to understand messages clearly and thoroughly in order to response properly, anxiety during listening or communication disorders resulting from it will affect development of language skills, making it impossible for people to communicate healthily. © 2018 by authors, all rights reserved.