Relationship between Willingness to Communicate and Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ Use of English Idioms

Abstract

Willingness to communicate (WTC) is one of the affective factors influencing success in second and foreign language learning. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between willingness to communicate (WTC) and Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ use of English idioms. It also explores the relationship between EFL learners’ WTC, their use of idioms and gender. A quantitative correlational design was used for this study. 225 students from different English institutes were chosen. Afterwards, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) software was used for analyzing the obtained data. Results of Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between level of WTC and use of idioms. Results of Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient also revealed that there is a positive and significant correlation between level of WTC and learning of idioms. Moreover, results of the independent-samples t-test showed that there is a significant difference between gender and WTC. Finally, results of the independent-samples t- test indicated that there is no significant difference between gender and use of idioms. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that teachers can employ willingness to communicate as one of the useful tools to increase learners’ use and learning of idioms.