Impact of Teachers’ use of Language on Students’ Emotion

Abstract

Language is a very powerful tool in the classroom. It has the power to build or destroy students both emotionally and psychologically. The present study investigated the teachers’ use of language on students’ emotion. The study employed convergent mixed methods guided by a pragmatic paradigm. The data were collected through survey, interview and classroom observations from three schools in Samtse dzongkhag (district). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 23, and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data (Braun & Clark, 2018). The finding revealed that positive language used by teachers have a positive impact on students’ emotions, as well as their behaviour, motivation, and cognitive abilities. In contrast, the teacher’s negative use of language has a detrimental impact on the students’ emotions, conduct, and cognitive ability. The findings also highlighted that student prefer polite language. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers must be aware of the importance and necessity of using positive language. Without this consideration, schools may produce students who are emotionally, psychologically or cognitively unsound.