The Relationship between L2 Willingness to Communicate and L2 Motivational Self System among Saudi EFL Learners.

Abstract

Abstract Researchers in the field of second language acquisition (Yashima, 2002; Oz, Demirezen, Pourfeiz, 2015) have emphasized the importance of willingness and motivation to ensuring effective communication in second and foreign languages. In recognition of this importance, the current study examined the relationship between willingness to communicate and motivational self system in the context of Saudi EFL learners. This study applied a mixed methods approach, utilising a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews of a sample comprising 50 EFL Saudi learners in Saudi Universities. According to the quantitative results, Saudi EFL learners exhibited a moderately level of willingness to communicate. Moreover, Saudi EFL learners were willing to communicate with stranger more than with friends and teachers. Investigation of motivational self system showed that Saudi EFL learners were highly motivated by their attitudes towards L2 community, ideal L2 self ought to L2 self, and L2 learning experience. The result of the relationship between willingness to communicate and motivation were significantly positive. However, data on gender showed no significant difference between males and females in terms of their willingness to communicate. The qualitative findings supported the quantitative findings, demonstrating that the willingness of Saudi EFL learners differed depending on the type of interlocutors. Moreover, learners who were willing to communicate were highly motivated by future dreams, parents, and the attitudes towards L2 community. While Students who were reluctant to communicate presented different situational and psychological obstacles, including a low of self confidence and a lack of motivation. The qualitative findings of the investigation into motivational self system illustrated that the motivation of English learning of Saudi EFL students is influenced by future visions, obligations, L2 learning experience and positive attitudes of L2 community.