Abstract:

Willingness to communicate (WTC) has been extensively studied for its crucial role in affecting second/foreign language (L2) learning outcomes and L2 communicative competence. Previous studies have explored a range of factors affecting WTC including L2 anxiety. However, the findings about their links remain inconsistent. To this end, the present meta-analysis integrated results of 50 independent studies, showing that there was a medium negative correlation between WTC and L2 anxiety (r = -0.343, p < 0.001). In addition, their relationship was moderated by multiple variables including national varieties, second language type, and anxiety type. The findings provided implications for foreign language education practitioners in China and researchers in the field of WTC.

Key words: meta-analysis, willingness to communicate, anxiety, second language acquisition