THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRITICAL THINKING AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANXIETY

This study aimed to examine the relationship between critical thinking ability and foreign language anxiety of Iranian EFL (English as a ForeignLanguage) learners. For this purpose, two instruments, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), and a questionnaire of Critical Thinking, were administered among 90 students majoring in English translation and English literature, at Islamic Azad University, Roodehen branch in Iran. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. The results revealed a statistically negative relationship between foreign language anxiety and critical thinking ability. The findings can act as a motive for English teachers to do their best in reducing foreign language anxiety to enhance learners’ critical thinking ability.