ADDRESSING PRONUNCIATION ANXIETY: CREATING A PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE SPACE FOR CONFIDENT ENGLISH SPEAKING PRACTICE
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It is known that one of the most important parts of learning English, but often unseen, is pronunciation. Because of this, when learners speak and mispronounce words, they often develop a fear and anxiety about conveying their message correctly to the listener. This leads to the feelings of "I can't speak" and "language learning is not for me." This psychological barrier—Krashen's "Affective Filter"—hinders language acquisition. This article uses research on feelings in language learning (SLA) and learning psychology to offer a new, complete plan for teachers. This plan includes ways to manage the class, new teaching methods, and different ways to test students. The goal is to always lower Pronunciation Anxiety (PA) and build a culture where students are okay with making mistakes (risk-taking). This helps students see pronunciation practice as a key part of being able to communicate. The comprehensive article explores the theoretical foundations, causes, and widespread impact of PA while meticulously examining a shift in the pedagogical paradigm. The ultimate goal is to transform the speaking class from a source of fear into a sanctuary for confident, authentic, and anxiety-free oral production.
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