The “Vulnerability of Self-Image” and the “Searching for linguistic excellence”

Principal determinants of Taiwanese student's frequency of Spanish oral usage in the classroom

Abstract

Students’ reticence in foreign language classes has long been a challenge for both teachers and students. This study aims at investigating if the frequency of Spanish oral usage in the classroom is affected by the level of the fear of damaging one’s “Vulnerable Self-Image” and the “Perfecting grammar and searching for linguistic excellence” reported by the students. The data were gathered from 138 students of Spanish as foreign language in the Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages of Taiwan through the use of a questionnaire. Results reveal that these three variables are related and that cultural and social linguistics variables influence the frequency of usage of the target language. The study offers certain pedagogic implications and findings for educators to take into consideration in their plan to create a classroom environment that motivates Taiwanese students to engage more actively in oral activities.