A Review of Affective Strategy and Social Strategy in Developing Students’ Speaking Skills

Speaking skill is one of the skills highlighted in language learning. Despite of that, it is considered as the most difficult skill to be mastered compared to other language skills such as listening, reading or writing. Therefore, proper selection of the best language learning strategies will help the students to improve students’ speaking skills either inside ESL classroom or outside the classroom. This paper reviews two main language learning strategies which are affective strategy and social strategy in developing students’ speaking skills. This paper suggests that different approaches should be taken to improve language learning especially for speaking skills. Underpinned by the students’ aspirations and the policy of Enhancing Malay Language and Strengthening English Language (MBMMBI), affective strategy and social strategy have been highlighted to enhance language learning. This paper suggests how affective strategy and social strategy can be applied to enhance students’ speaking skills.