What the study found
The study found that learners who believed they had higher second language oral proficiency tended to report less anxiety and more enjoyment during speaking tasks. It also found that perceived low-level second language speakers showed greater emotional susceptibility.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings have pedagogical implications for supporting English-as-a-foreign-language learners’ second language speaking development. The study suggests that understanding learners’ perceived proficiency and task emotions may help better serve speaking ability development.
What the researchers tested
This embedded mixed-methods study examined the effect of perceived second language oral proficiency on task emotions, defined as anxiety, enjoyment, and boredom, and how those emotions related to speech fluency. The researchers collected quantitative data from 77 Chinese university students learning English as a foreign language, while controlling for learners’ actual second language oral proficiency; they also followed two learners with similar actual but different perceived proficiency using idiodynamic and semi-structured interview methods.
What worked and what didn't
Higher perceived second language oral proficiency was associated with lower anxiety and greater enjoyment. The idiodynamic and interview findings showed two recurring patterns: higher anxiety and lower enjoyment were linked with reduced fluency, and enjoyment tended to increase as the task neared completion. The study also reported differences in starting emotional states, in the relationships among boredom, anxiety, and enjoyment, and in experiences of boredom when learners faced linguistic challenges.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe all limitations in detail. The mixed-methods findings were based on 77 Chinese university students, and the detailed qualitative comparison focused on only two learners, so the scope described in the abstract is limited to those participants.
Key points
- Higher perceived second language oral proficiency was linked to lower anxiety and greater enjoyment.
- Perceived low-level second language speakers showed greater emotional susceptibility.
- Higher anxiety and lower enjoyment were associated with reduced speech fluency.
- Enjoyment tended to rise as the speaking task neared completion.
- The detailed qualitative comparison involved two learners with similar actual but different perceived proficiency.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Perceived oral proficiency shapes task emotions and speech fluency
- Authors:
- Chenxin Li, Peijian Paul Sun
- Institutions:
- Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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