This article outlines the rationale, background and preliminary findings of an ongoing linguistic risk-taking passport initiative at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) in Japan. The aim of the initiative is to encourage students to take various risks to build their confidence during their language learning journeys and help them to effectively utilise extra opportunities available for second language learning both inside and outside of the language classroom. The level, nature and frequency of linguistic risks taken, as well as students’ anxiety and confidence levels, willingness to communicate and their strategies for managing emotions are currently under investigation. Initial findings of the initiative indicated that many students felt comfortable and confident using English and taking risks, enjoyed the risk-taking process, and were able to discover new opportunities for practicing English, particularly those available in KUIS’s Self-Access Learning Center.
To talk or not to talk: A review of situational antecedents of willingness to communicate in the second language classroom
