Bibliometric analysis of foreign language anxiety research: Growth dynamics and network analysis

This study aims to determine the academic scope, growth dynamics, co-authorship networks, and most frequently used keywords in studies on foreign language anxiety (FLA) within the context of foreign language studies, as indexed in the WoS database. The literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and 595 studies published in WoS between 1978 and 2024 were examined using bibliometric analysis methods. The analyses evaluated various bibliometric indicators, including the scope and growth trends of the literature, the most cited countries, academic collaborations in the FLA field, and keyword distribution. All processes were conducted using VOSviewer software, which is compatible with comprehensive bibliographic databases. The findings show that the FLA literature has grown significantly, especially between 2020 and 2024, with China contributing the most publications and the US standing out in citation impact. Additionally, Jean-Marc Dewaele was identified as the most influential author, and “foreign language anxiety” was the most frequently used keyword in the literature.