Welcome to the Language Anxiety Initiative!
Welcome to LAI, a pioneering platform @ KU English Didactics, dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges of (foreign) language anxiety. Our mission is to bridge the gap between language educational neuroscience and practical classroom applications, fostering a more inclusive and effective language learning environment.
The main objective of the initiative: Fighting the Fear Factor!
The Steps WE Take
1. LAI delves deep into the neuroscience of language learning, exploring how anxiety impacts the language acquisition and learning process. Our research aims to uncover the neural, learning psychological and didactical underpinnings of language anxiety, providing valuable insights for language educators and language learners alike.
2. We translate our research findings into practical strategies for teachers and students. By integrating educational neuroscience principles into language teaching, we aim to reduce anxiety and enhance learning outcomes.
3. We therefore seek to partner with local schools to bring unique language neuroscience learning opportunities to students and teachers to explore their experiences and the feedback they can bring to the quality circle of the development of avant-garde fear-free didactics.
4. LAI emphasizes the importance of early identification and prevention of language anxiety. We develop tools and resources to help educators recognize early signs and implement effective preventative strategies.
5. We offer a range of intervention strategies and language therapeutic approaches tailored to individuals experiencing language anxiety. Our methods are grounded in scientific research and are designed to build confidence and proficiency in language learners.
If you feel like joining us in our journey to transform language education and empower every language learner to reach their full potential, please let us know.
Recent Publications & Scales
Recent Publications
Böttger, H., Höppner, B., Müller, T., & Günaydın, G. (2024). From apprehension to expression: Exploring foreign language anxiety in adults. ICC Journal, 6 (Special Issue ICC Conference 2024), 5-26. ISSN 2747-9862
Böttger, H., & Höppner, B. (2024). Muscle memory and the development of speaking skills: Unveiling neuromotor foundations and methodological approaches in foreign language education. Journal of Linguistics and Language Teaching (JLLT), 15(1). ISSN 2190-4677
Böttger, H. (2023). Sprechen. In Gehirn und Sprache - Neurodidaktik für das Klassenzimmer (Klett Akademie für Fremdsprachendidaktik - Neurowissenschaften und Fremdsprachenunterricht). Klett. Sprechen.pdf (klett.de)
Böttger, H. (2023). Angst. In Gehirn und Sprache - Neurodidaktik für das Klassenzimmer (Klett Akademie für Fremdsprachendidaktik - Neurowissenschaften und Fremdsprachenunterricht). Klett. Angst.pdf (klett.de)
Böttger, H., & Költzsch, D. (2020). The fear factor: Xenoglossophobia or how to overcome the anxiety of speaking foreign languages. Training, Language and Culture, 4(2), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.22363/2521-442X-2020-4-2-43-55
Tools & Scales
Horwitz, K., Horwitz, M. B., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70(2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1986.tb05256.x
Pekrun, R., & Goetz, T. (2005). Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) - User's Manual
Tangey, Dearing, Wagner, Gramzow. (2000). Test of Self-Conscious Affect - TOSCA.
Watson, S. D., Gomez, R., Gullone, E. (2016). The Shame and Guilt Scales of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-Adolescent (TOSCA-A): Psychometric Properties for Responses from Children, and Measurement Invariance Across Children and Adolescents, Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00635
Opportunities
"Fighting the Fear Factor": Bachelor’s and Master’s Theses in English Didactics at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Welcome to the "Fighting the Fear Factor" initiative! Are you looking for an exciting and relevant topic for your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis? Then you’ve come to the right place. The English Didactics Department at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt invites you to join our initiative and contribute to the research on Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) and Xenoglossophobia through your thesis.
Why "Fighting the Fear Factor"?
Language is the gateway to the world, but for many, this path is fraught with fear and insecurity. Our initiative aims to understand these barriers and find ways to overcome them. As a student, you have the unique opportunity to conduct practical research and develop solutions that will make language learning easier for many people.
Interested students please contact the head of the department for more information and guidance.
Topic Suggestions for Your Thesis
Here are some topic suggestions that you could explore for your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis:
1. Causes of Foreign Language Anxiety among Students in Foreign Language Classes
2. Strategies for Reducing Language Anxiety in the Classroom
3. Comparing FLA Across Different Age Groups
4. The Role of Teachers in Managing Xenoglossophobia
5. Impact of Digital Media on Language Learning and Associated Language Anxiety
6. Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness Training in Foreign Language Classes
7. The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Reducing FLA
8. Examining FLA in Teacher Training Students and Their Coping Strategies
Media
Interview:
Language Anxiety from the Foreign Language Specialist's Perspective https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED335963
TED-Talk:
Ellen De Visser: "Overcoming Your Fear of Speaking Foreign Languages" – This TEDx talk addresses the fear of speaking foreign languages and provides insights on how to overcome it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYtVAMXLndI
Article:
Your Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Foreign Language Anxiety – This comprehensive guide from StoryLearning explains what FLA is and provides practical steps to overcome it, including changing your learning method, thinking positively, and taking small steps. https://storylearning.com/blog/foreign-language-anxiety
Video:
Language Learning Tips | Xenoglossophobia - foreign language anxiety – This video discusses tips and strategies to overcome foreign language anxiety, providing practical advice for learners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUEE4YqJLyc
© Professur für Didaktik der englischen Sprache und Literatur - Eichstätt 2025