Strategles Employed by Nepalese EFL students' to Overcome english speaking Anxiety

Abstract

The study, entitled Strategies Employed by Nepalese EFL Students to Overcome English Speaking Anxiety, was conducted to explore the English-speaking anxiety of Nepalese EFL students and specific strategies they utilized to manage their English speaking anxiety. Employing a qualitative approach and phenomenological research design, the research utilized in-depth interviews with four purposively sampled students from Central Department of English Education, Tribhuvan mUniversity to gather first hand data for the study. Recorded data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Nepalese EFL students experience significant English-speaking anxiety, primarily due to limited exposure to English and they fear to try because they have fear of making mistakes and negatives judgment from peers and teachers. The analysis of the data revealed that the students actively combat this anxiety through various techniques, including self-talk or self-directed practice, various relaxation techniques, and consistent preparation and rehearsal. Additionally, they improve their vocabulary and fluency by listening to English podcasts or interviews and feel confident in a supportive environment. This thesis is organized into five chapters. The first chapter deals with the Introduction of the study including background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, significance, delimitations, and operational definitions. The second chapter presents a comprehensive overview of relevant theoretical and empirical literature and their implication for the study, along with a conceptual framework. The third chapter deals with the methods and procedures of the study including research design, sample and sampling strategy, research tools, sources of data, data collection and analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The fourth chapter focuses on the analysis and interpretation of the data, while the final chapter summarizes the key findings, presents the conclusion, and offers suggestions for policy, practice, and future research.