THE IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON LANGUAGE LEARNING ACHIEVEMENTS IN UNIVERSITY EFL STUDENTS

Authors

  • Gizem Arslan Degirmenci Yuksek Ihtisas University, Instructor, School of Foreign Languages, Ankara, Turkey
  • Mehmet Ali Yavuz Cyprus International University, Professor, Faculty of Education, Nicosia, Cyprus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v9i1.5296

Keywords:

emotional intelligence, language learning achievement, university EFL students

Abstract

Language learning is not merely a cognitive endeavour but a complex interplay of emotions, perceptions, and social dynamics. This article explores the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and language learning outcomes in university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. The study investigates the potential moderating influences of gender, field of study, and language background on this relationship. The research uses the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I) to assess emotional intelligence levels and correlates them with English language learning achievements. The study finds that, on a broad scale, emotional intelligence does not have a statistically significant impact on language learning achievements, suggesting that language proficiency is influenced by various cognitive and non-cognitive factors. However, the results suggest that the influence of emotional intelligence on language learning may be subtler and context-dependent. Specific components of EI, such as intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, may have nuanced effects on distinct language skills. This study enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between emotional intelligence and language learning outcomes among university EFL students, debunking simplistic assumptions about the direct impact of EI on language proficiency.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Gizem Arslan Degirmenci, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Instructor, School of Foreign Languages, Ankara, Turkey

    Gizem Arslan Değirmenci, born on February 16, 1996, in Antakya/Hatay, is a dedicated educator currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English Language Teaching. She holds a Master's in English Language Teaching from Cyprus International University and has been actively involved in academia and research. Gizem's professional journey includes roles as an instructor at Ankara Social Sciences University Cyprus Campus, where she contributed significantly to academic research. She currently serves as an Instructor, an Academic Coordinator and a Vice-principal at Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara where her dedication to education flourished. Her research interests span language teacher education and language learning reforms, the impact of technology on English language learning, and holistic language learning in a diverse background classroom. Gizem is an active member of academic communities, contributing to conferences. Her publications include works on language teacher education reforms in Turkey and the impact of social media and virtual worlds on English language learning.

  • Mehmet Ali Yavuz, Cyprus International University, Professor, Faculty of Education, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Mehmet Ali Yavuz is an accomplished academic with a rich background in English Language Teaching and linguistics. He earned his Doctorate in Foreign Language Teaching (English Language Teaching) from Dokuz Eylül University in 1995, following a Master's in English Language Teaching from Leeds University in 1974 and a Bachelor's from Istanbul Teacher Training Institute in 1969. He has made significant contributions to the field, with publications such as "Data-driven learning of academic lexical bundles below the C1 level" and "English Language Learners' Comprehension and Production of Implicatures." His research extends to the realization of speech acts, the effects of teacher immediacy behaviors, and learner autonomy. His research interests encompass English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics. Throughout his illustrious career, Mehmet Ali Yavuz has held various academic positions, including Directorship at Diyarbakır and Izmir Education Institutes. He served as the Director of the Foreign Languages School at Dokuz Eylül University and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Education at Cyprus International University. Additionally, he assumed leadership roles as the Head of Department of English Language Teaching at Cyprus International University.

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Published

2024-03-28

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Articles

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