Abstract:

A paper considers the common issue of performance anxiety in studying English as a Second Language program (ESL). Based on Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of the dialogue, Bakhtin’s idea of a dialogue as a part of linguistic thinking is a resourceful way to consider emotional communication in different situations. Bakhtin’s ideas of “linguistic thinking” replaced F. de Saussure’s logical comprehension of a language, contributing in better understanding of language expressiveness. Every person has his or her particular voice of expression due to differentiation in linguistic thinking. Language itself exists only here and now revealing itself in responses of linguistic thinkers. At present time this concept tries to organize the process of studying as a central part of the educational theory.

The modern world forges people to the acquisition of English language inevitably. The language become "lingua franca" of our time and an essential part of the global community. From the other side, studying English as a Second Language creates pressure and tension for a learner. How to deal with the performance anxiety of expressing yourself in the real life, not classroom situations? What are new teaching way to relive stress and silence of the real life performer?

An author renders The Beatles’ and other examples of popular songs as an efficient way to overcome the performance anxiety ESL students experiencing in their real life outside the comfort zone of a classroom environment. A dialogue space creates free discussions in a classroom based on the song's emotional content.

The paper includes some examples of the songs’ application for the different studying levels and educational criteria to choose a good example of a song for different studying situations.

Keywords:

Mikhail Bakhtin, dialogue space, English as a Second Language, performance anxiety, The Beatles, song.