Research Article Details

Citation Journal Title: The International Jordanian Journal Aryam for Humanities and Social Sciences

Citation Title: The Impact of Foreign Language Anxiety on Self-Perceived Employability among Moroccan professionals

Citation Author: Talal Belgdida 1*, Dr. Hind Brigui 2*

Citation Affiliation: 1Literature, Arts, and Pedagogical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Languages, Letters and Arts, Kenitra, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco- 2Professor, Faculty of Languages, Letters and Arts, Kenitra, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco.

Citation Volume: 8

Citation Issue: 1

Citation Year: 2026

Citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.65811/818

Citation PDF: https://aijj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/IJJA-VOL8-ISSUE-1-NO-8-2026-PP-164-173.-PDF-1.pdf

Received Date: 11 january 2026

Revised Date: 23 february 2026

Accepted Date: 9 March 2026

Publication Date: 15 March 2026

First Page: 164

Citation Abstract: Emotion is one of the various factors that influence not only language learning but also language use. While this variable has been extensively approached in educational settings, its impact is not confined to learners but it can extend to professionals. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the correlation between Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) and Self-Perceived Employability (SPE) in Moroccan professionals using English in the workplace. It also seeks to identify the extent to which FLA predicts Moroccan professionals’ job-related speaking confidence, to investigate whether these professionals attribute their career advancement to their language anxiety, and finally to explore whether FLA levels differ among different sectors. Using a qualitative approach, a structured online questionnaire was adapted from the Foreign Language Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) developed by Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986). The study targeted 88 participants working in various sectors such as education, healthcare, business, engineering, and government. The results showed a significant negative correlation between FLA levels and self-perceived employability on the one hand and speaking confidence at work on the other hand. However, while the participants did not report any significant links between their FLA and career advancement, their anxiety levels did not seem to differ across sectors. The study highlights the importance of managing anxiety in both academic and professional settings and offers practical recommendations to policy makers, educators and employers to help optimize language learning and use.

Citation Keywords: Foreign Language Anxiety, Self-Perceived Employability, Moroccan professionals, workplace communication, job-related speaking confidence.