Fear of Peers: A Case Study of Speaking in the Sri Lankan Context

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between Sri Lankan students and the core skill of speaking English. Drawing on an informal needs analysis of 240 pre-service English teachers and American Corner students, the paper examines students’ self-reported needs and emotional relationship with speaking in English. Results shed light on the demotivating factors associated with speaking in front of others. Moreover, the paper acknowledges the myriad challenges of assessing speaking but also highlights the need for educators to differentiate between speaking activities that prompt students to read out loud and activities that encourage students to interact extemporaneously.