The Impact of Shyness on Oral Communication Skills among First-Year EFL Students at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Misurata University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65417/ljere.v2i2.131Keywords:
shyness, oral communication, speaking skills, EFL learners, first-year students, LibyaAbstract
Shyness can significantly hinder and affect students’ participation and confidence in English-speaking activities. This study investigates the impact of shyness on the oral communication performance among first-year English as Foreign Language (EFL) students in the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Misurata University. A mixed methods approach was adopted, using a questionnaire completed by 34 students and interviews with six students. The findings indicate that shyness affects students’ speaking confidence and classroom participation, with fear of making mistakes and lack of language skills appearing as main contributing factors. Moreover, students pointed at a need for greater institutional facilities and supports, including speaking workshops and regular practice opportunities. The study stresses the importance of supportive classroom environments, constructive feedback, and structured speaking activities in encouraging students to enhance confidence in oral communication. Given the small sample and reliance on self-reported data from a single faculty, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
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