The Anxiety Levels of Vietnamese Ethnic Minority Students in Writing Texts in Vietnamese (National Language): A Case Study in the Northern Provinces of Vietnam

Abstract

This study investigates the anxiety levels of ethnic minority students in Vietnam when creating texts in Vietnamese, focusing on the Northern provinces. The purpose of this research is to uncover the specific anxieties and challenges these students face in their educational journey, especially in writing Vietnamese, a language with complex grammar and tonal nature. By using a quantitative methodology, data was collected from 729 high school students across 24 schools in 12 provinces through a 27-question survey. The findings reveal that these students have moderate confidence but experience significant anxiety, particularly related to grammar and vocabulary, leading to avoidance behaviors. The study concludes that while students have a basic grasp of Vietnamese, the language's complexities contribute to their educational stress, suggesting that tailored educational strategies and psychological support are essential to improve their learning environment and integration into the educational system. Understanding and addressing these challenges can help foster a more inclusive and effective educational landscape in Vietnam.