Communication Apprehension in Using English Language Among Non-Academic Officers at Public University in Malaysia
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
This research addresses issues on communication apprehension in using English language among non-academic officers (grade 41 to 48) at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. The notion of communication apprehension in this context is their anxiety in executing language tasks in terms of: group discussion, meeting, interpersonal and public speaking by using English language as medium. The objectives of this research are to identify the level of anxiety in using English language among the non-academic officers and to identify potential problems faced by the non-academic officers in learning English language during the English course .This research is based on an observation in an intensive course called English for non-academic staff conducted at UniSZA for the period of 30 hours where the researcher is one of the instructors of the programme. The methodology used in this research is using quantitative approach and applying an instrument called Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) developed by James C.McCroskey (1982) in order to assess the level of anxiety in using English language. The findings reveal that most of the non- academic officers experienced average levels of communication apprehension. Only a few officers recorded a low level of communication apprehension and one officer who experienced a high level of communication apprehension. Work commitments at office by the officers is one of the factors that impedes their time in learning English. It also reveals that the officers enjoy themselves when the lessons are related to their daily duties. As conclusion, although they experience apprehension or anxiety in using English language, they are still determined to improve themselves especially in spoken English for the sake of their future career.
KEYWORDS
Communication Apprehension, English, PRCA-24, Non-Academic Officers