Gender and Language: Communication Apprehension in Second Language Learning

For over the decades, researchers all around the world have found that language learning comes with some difficulties and disabilities which can usually manifest into a more severe problem (Dembo, 1991). It is proven that second language learning can become a traumatic experience for certain language learners. Among the catalyst for this experience is the feeling of stressed, anxious and worries especially in communication (Banks, 2008). It is very apparent that communication apprehension, as stated by Horwitz, Horwitz& Cope (1991), has contributed towards the detrimental feeling of anxiety during the process of language learning. Since language anxiety is one of the major factor that determines the level of comprehensible input received (Krashen, 1982), it has undoubtedly developed into a prominent factor in determining the successful of second language learning. However, it is proven that communication apprehension can happen to anyone regardless of the gender. Wick-Nelson & Israel (2006) mention that communication apprehension, as the matter of fact manifests differently according to gender. Thus, it is important to note that female and male process their feeling and experiences differently. The aim of this paper is to determine the difference of communication apprehension level according to gender. A total of 60 respondents were randomly selected among the University Teknologi MARA (Perak) students from various faculties. The instrument used in this study is a set of questionnaire adapted from the measurement scale of language anxiety called Foreign Language Class Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) designed by Horwitz (1983). The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.