English Language Anxiety: Development and Validation of a Brief Measure

Abstract

In view of the lack of a short scale for the direct measurement of English language learning anxiety developed in the Egyptian context, this study aims to develop and validate a brief scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed using (362) EFL learners enrolled in first year at college of education, Minia University. Results of EFA proved that the scale consisted of four subscales: (speaking anxiety, (8) items, =.84, writing anxiety (8) items, =.84, reading anxiety (8) items, =.84, listening anxiety, (8) items, =.83). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on 46 items to examine the structure validity. Results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four-factor model fitted well and results met the criteria for goodness of fit indices (>.90) and root mean score residual (RMR < .05) which means the (ELAS) has a four factor structure in the Egyptian university students sample. The brief scale has good reliability and adequate validity and results of the analysis supported the conclusion that it is a reliable and valid measurement instrument.