Willingness to Communicate in English: Its Influence on Oral Proficiency Levels in ESL Learners

Authors

  • Samina Sarwat HoD, Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Waheed Shahzad Lecturer, Institute of Humanities and Arts, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Muhammad Anees M.Phil. (English, Linguistics), Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Syed Khurram Shahzad PhD Scholar (English, Linguistics), Institute of English Language & Literature, Sindh University, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55737/qjss.107918956

Keywords:

Willingness to Communicate, Oral Proficiency, English Language Learning

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) on oral proficiency in English language learning, particularly focusing on its influence as an individual difference in second language (L2) acquisition. The research primarily aims to explore the correlation between WTC and oral language competency in L2 learners and examines how variations in WTC among learners with different levels of competency relate to other key factors such as self-confidence, the desire to communicate, and anxiety. Additionally, it assesses potential gender-based differences in WTC and oral proficiency. The participant group comprised 175 undergraduate students, including 88 males and 87 females. Data collection involved a comprehensive survey, and the analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The findings revealed significant correlations between the studied variables, although T-test analyses indicated no significant gender-based differences in WTC and oral proficiency. This research contributes to a better understanding of how self-confidence, a strong desire to communicate, and a stress-free learning environment are crucial for successful language learning, thereby informing language education practices and policies.

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Author Biography

  • Syed Khurram Shahzad, PhD Scholar (English, Linguistics), Institute of English Language & Literature, Sindh University, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

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Published

2023-12-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sarwat, S., Shahzad, W., Anees, M., & Shahzad, S. K. (2023). Willingness to Communicate in English: Its Influence on Oral Proficiency Levels in ESL Learners. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences, 4(4), 232-246. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjss.107918956