English as a foreign language students' listening anxiety

This study explores the phenomenon of Foreign Language Listening Anxiety (FLLA) among university-level students enrolled in an English preparatory programme at a state university in Türkiye. The motivation for this study stems from the growing recognition that listening is one of the most anxiety-inducing yet under-researched skills in foreign language learning. Thus, this study aimed to understand the dynamics behind foreign language listening anxiety, examining both individual and contextual factors that contribute to its development among university preparatory students. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 352 students through the Foreign Language Listening Anxiety Scale (Polat & Erişti, 2018) and semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. The research aimed to examine students' general level of listening anxiety, whether it differs according to background variables and how students themselves perceive and describe their listening-related anxiety. Quantitative findings revealed moderate level of listening anxiety, with statistically significant differences based on gender, enjoyment, proficiency and extracurricular exposure to English. Qualitative insights supported these findings, highlighting key sources of anxiety such as fear of misunderstanding, unfamiliar vocabulary, unfamiliar accents, teacher attitudes and fast-paced speech. While age and year of study were not found as statistically significant variables, students' present listening experiences and emotional responses to listening tasks played a notable role. The study emphasises the importance of addressing affective barriers in listening instruction and offers practical implications for foreign language educators aiming to create more inclusive and anxiety-reducing learning environments. Given that English is the global lingua franca, and listening is central to effective communication, supporting learners in overcoming listening anxiety is not only pedagogically important but essential for real-world language use.