ADVANCING ORAL SKILLS IN A NON-NATIVE LANGUAGE

Theoretical frameworks suggest that language learners progress naturally when they are consistently exposed to second language input that is just beyond their current level of linguistic ability (Krashen, 1981). To facilitate this growth, second and foreign language educators should use the target language as much as possible in the classroom and offer students plenty of opportunities to engage in speaking and listening exclusively in that language. However, emotional factors such as anxiety about speaking in front of others and difficulties in expressing one’s authentic self can create barriers that complicate the process of learning to speak a new language.