Using Think-Aloud Protocols to Identify Factors That Cause Foreign Language Reading Anxiety

Anxiety is an important personality factor that has been a major concern for foreign language (FL) researchers. Although the influence of anxiety on FL speaking has received considerable attention in research, only a few studies to date have focused on affect and FL reading. Clearly, there is need to use think aloud protocols and learner interviews to identify the factors that lead to FL reading anxiety. Thirty freshman students in the English Language Teaching Department of Trakya University participated in a think aloud activity. Results suggest twelve factors promoting FL reading anxiety. Since it creates an awareness of factors that students consider as anxiety promoting, the study is significant for teachers who are responsible for teaching reading classes to foreign language learners.