LANGUAGE ANXIETY
INITIATIVE
Welcome to the Language Anxiety Initiative!
Welcome to LAI, a pioneering platform rooted in academic research conducted by the English Didactics Department at the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges of (foreign) language anxiety. Our mission is to bridge the gap between language educational neuroscience and practical classroom applications, fostering a more inclusive and effective language learning environment.
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Meet The Team
The main objective of the initiative
Fighting the Fear Factor
The Steps WE Take
Laying the Groundwork
Foreign language anxiety is a multidimensional phenomenon, different from individual to individual. In order to develop individualized preventive strategies, one first needs to be able to recognize this anxiety and its causes. We hence focus on these two areas, before translating the gained knowledge into mainly preventive strategies and interventions.
Recognizing Causes
LAI delves into the neuroscience of language learning, exploring how anxiety impacts the language acquisition, learning and usage process. Our research aims to uncover the neural, learning psychological and didactical underpinnings of language anxiety, providing valuable insights for language educators and learners alike.
Identifying Effects
Effects of (foreign) language anxiety include emotional, cognitive, motivational and physiological dimensions - all of which can take different forms (e.g. negative thoughts, heart racing) and be more or less pronounced. The goal of our research is to identify these effects in order to offer concrete and didactically sound strategies.
Formulating Strategies
​We translate our research findings into practical strategies for teachers and learners of foreign languages. By integrating educational neuroscience principles into foreign language contexts (e.g. business meetings, schools), we aim to reduce anxiety, enhance learning outcomes and support overcoming language barriers.
Translating Research Findings into Action
LAI aims to transfer research findings into direct actions, whether it be preventive action guidelines, concrete practical approaches in schools and businesses, or individualized solutions.
Outlining Preventive Actions
LAI emphasizes the importance of early identification and prevention of foreign language anxiety. We develop tools and resources to help educators and foreign language speakers recognize early signs and implement effective preventative strategies.
Partnering with Schools & Businesses
We seek to partner with local schools to bring unique language neuroscience learning opportunities to students and teachers to explore their experiences and the feedback they can bring to the quality circle of the development of an avant-garde fear-free didactics.
Offering Individualized Solutions
We offer a range of prevention and intervention strategies tailored to individuals experiencing foreign language anxiety. Our methods are grounded in scientific research and are designed to build confidence and proficiency. Feel free to contact us via mail if you are interested!