Hometowns of MA Students and Communication Apprehension (CA) in L1 and L2

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Abstract

This study investigates communication apprehension (CA) in L1 (Thai) and L2 (English) of first-year MA students majoring in English in a public university in Bangkok, Thailand. Research results reveal that in terms of hometown, students from Bangkok and its vicinity were found to have lower CA in L1 (Thai) in the context of meetings, when compared with that of students from other parts of Thailand. This might be because L1 used in meetings is official Thai, and dialects might interfere with the confidence of those from outside Bangkok. However, no difference was found in the students’ CA in L2 (English). Based on the research results, faculty members of the MA program may better help their students through understanding their communication anxiety. As a result, teachers’ interactions with students through L2 (English) and L1 (Thai) might be conducted more appropriately and with more empathy when CA and individual differences are brought into consideration.