Cultural Content and Foreign Language Public Speaking Anxiety: Contributing Factors and Culture-Based Coping Strategies in EFL Students

Himala Praptami Adys; Misnawaty  Usman; Ernawati

doi:10.30996/pcllcs.v5i1.6569

Authors

Himala Praptami Adys Universitas Negeri Makassar
Misnawaty Usman Universitas Negeri Makassar
Ernawati Universitas Negeri Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30996/pcllcs.v5i1.6569

Keywords:

Foreign Language Anxiety, Public Speaking, Cultural Content

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between cultural content integration and foreign language public speaking anxiety (FLPSA) among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. The research examines how incorporating Buginese cultural values (Sipakainga’, Sipakalebbi’, and Sipakatau’) affects anxiety levels and provides culture-based coping strategies for 56 Indonesian university students enrolled in Business English Communication program, Universitas Makassar. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzed anxiety patterns, cultural identity impacts, and effectiveness of culturally-responsive pedagogical approaches. Results indicate that students who engaged with familiar cultural content demonstrated significantly lower anxiety levels and improved speaking performance compared to those exposed to purely Western-oriented materials. The findings suggest that integrating local cultural frameworks can serve as effective anxiety-reduction mechanisms while maintaining language learning objectives. This research contributes to understanding culturally-sensitive EFL pedagogy and provides practical implications for educators working with culturally homogeneous student populations.

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