Taiwanese English learners’ perceptions of errors in speaking

Natalia Tsai

doi:10.18778/0860-6587.22.08

Autor

Natalia Tsai Language Center, National Taipei University, 151, University Rd, San Shia District, New Taipei City, 23741 Taiwan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0860-6587.22.08

Słowa kluczowe:

Tajwan, kolektywizm, percepcja/postrzeganie, błąd w mówieniu, język angielski jako obcy, niepokój, Taiwan, collectivism, perception, error, speaking, EFL learner, anxiety

Abstrakt

The main purpose of this article is to examine the Taiwanese EFL learners’ perceptions of errors in speaking in order to better understand this group of students and reduce the barrier of unnecessary misinterpretations and incorrect judgments of one’s behavior. Non-verbal signs sent by Taiwanese students committing errors can be misleading if one is not familiar with the basic principles underlying this Asian culture, strongly conditioned by collectivism. Often labelled as quiet and shy, Taiwanese language learners actually experience a high level of anxiety, since making an error is seen as a face-threatening act. The author looks closer at the reasons conditioning their attitudes and suggests possible solutions to overcome the problems discussed.

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