Navigating Voices: Foreign Language Communication Apprehension and Confidence among Palestinians in Refugee Camps

The main aim of this study was to examine the linguistic self-confidence (LSC) and foreign language communication apprehension (CA) of refugees studying English as a foreign language (EFL) in the Balata, Jenin and Tulkarm camps in Palestine. It also looked at whether gender had statistically significant impact on LSC and CA levels. For this study, the researcher chose at random 800 refugee students (180 males and 620 females) who reside in Palestinian camps in the West Bank. Two well-known instruments were used to gather data: Horwitz’s et al. (1986) Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) to examine CA, Lalonde and Gardner’s (1985) Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) to determine LSC level. The researcher used the qualitative approach as it suits the purposes of the study. Several statistical tests were implemented such as Independent Samples t-test, frequencies, SD, DF, and percentages. The findings showed that participants’ overall levels of linguistic self-confidence and communication anxiety were moderate. Additionally, no statistically significant gender-based differences in CA or LSC levels were found according to independent samples t-tests. These results imply that although affective barriers exist in this particular language-learning environment such as Palestinian camps, they are not gender-specific. In order to better support Palestinian students’ psychological preparedness for communication, the study ends with pedagogical recommendations for EFL teachers working in refugee settings.