The Future of Education

This qualitative study aims at identifying the impact of anxiety on English language learning in Bahrain. It tries to identify the types and factors of anxiety and how they affect the English language classes. The selection of university students in Bahrain was due to the fact that it has been observed that most of them try to study in Arabic, knowing that in Bahrain English is considered as a second language and students start studying it from primary school. Also, it has been observed that students tend to score less in English language classes and that impacts their GPA negatively. To collect data we sought to apply the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) that was designed by Horwitz et al. (1986). 90 Bahraini undergraduate students participated in the study. The sample was conveniently selected from Gulf University in Bahrain and it was equally divided among male and female students. Data was analyzed qualitatively using percentages. The results showed that anxiety is a major factor that affects students’ performance in English language classes. At the end of the article some suggestions were provided for English language teachers to help students overcome their fear and foster interest among the students and lower their affective filter.

Keywords: Anxiety, English Language, Bahrain;