The Effects of Shame and Saving Face on Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety in South Korea
Keywords:
Confucian Shame, Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety, Korean Face Saving, 체면Abstract
This paper investigates how cultural factors, especially shame and the idea of 'saving face,' affect foreign language speaking nervousness among Korean students. Based on the author’s teaching experience in Korea and a survey of Korean college students, the study explores how Confucian traditions and social expectations influence students’ reluctance to speak English. The results show that cultural views on shame and honor strongly influence nervousness and avoidance behaviors in language learning. The paper recommends a few teaching strategies considering culture to reduce nervousness and encourage effective language learning.
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