ABSTRACT
A considerable number of foreign as well as second language learners suffer from language anxiety when they step into the language classroom. This research drew on a small study which was carried out at a private university in Yogyakarta to understand the factors that affect English as a Foreign Language (EFL) adult learners’ language anxiety toward speaking performances. The purpose of this study is to report findings from the qualitative interview data on the factors of EFL adult learners’ language anxiety toward speaking performance. The participants were six postgraduate students who were chosen randomly. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by an interview protocol. The demographic data were analyzed descriptively while the interview data were transcribed and analyzed line by line to generate and develop codes and themes. An analysis of the interview data revealed five major themes, including (1) linguistic difficulties, (2) cognitive challenges, and (3) lack of practice in speaking English. Some ways to deal with language anxiety are also explained and suggestions for future study are provided.
