Difficulties in Listening and Speaking in French Language Learning: The Strategies Adopted by Aviation Department Students

This study explores how aviation students learn French as a second foreign language, focusing on challenges in listening and speaking. Using a qualitative case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Aviation Management students selected through purposive sampling. Each interview lasted 40–50 minutes, and data were analyzed descriptively. Findings show that students’ motivation mainly stems from external factors such as course requirements and career goals, while intrinsic motives like cultural curiosity gradually emerge. Speaking anxiety was prominent, caused by fear of mistakes, pronunciation issues, and lexical retrieval problems. Listening difficulties were linked to speech speed and mismatches between spelling and pronunciation. Students coped through repetition, mimicry, subtitled media, self-recording, peer practice, and digital tools. French was seen as more anxiety-inducing than English due to later exposure and phonetic complexity. The study suggests using pronunciation workshops, authentic materials, and supportive, technology-enhanced classrooms. Key-words: French language learning, Listening and speaking skills, Second foreign language, Motivation and anxiety