Abstract
The present study aims to identify the levels of anxiety among speakers of English in Jordan. The study also examines whether anxiety levels vary depending on speakers’ age or gender. Additionally, it investigates key factors that trigger this anxiety and observes how these feelings might be linked to individuals' speaking performance. The participants of the study were 390 undergraduates majoring in English language at the University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, and Mutah University during the academic year 2019/2020. Data were collected via a second language anxiety scale developed by the researcher. Results revealed that there is a statistically significant difference at a≤0.05 in the level of anxiety of Jordanian speakers of English according to university and academic year. However, there is no statistically significant difference at a≤0.05 in the level of anxiety according to gender and grade point average. The results also show that Jordanian students have a moderate level of language anxiety, primarily influenced by three main factors: self-confidence, interactive approach, and non-facilitative negative feelings. It is also noted that participants in this study consider anxiety to be debilitating, negatively affecting their speaking performance. Furthermore, Jordanian speakers of English employ four strategies to reduce their language anxiety: positive thinking, preparation, relaxation, and resignation.