Research Paper
Psycholinguistics
Jalil Fathi; Armin Boochani Shah Maleki; Sam Saeedian
Abstract
In the demanding environment of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, fostering student well-being has become a critical pedagogical objective. This study examined the predictive relationships between mindfulness, perceived teacher support, and psychological well-being, with a specific focus ...
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In the demanding environment of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, fostering student well-being has become a critical pedagogical objective. This study examined the predictive relationships between mindfulness, perceived teacher support, and psychological well-being, with a specific focus on the mediating role of student engagement. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the researchers collected data from 342 intermediate-level EFL learners in Iran using validated self-report scales. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to test the hypothesized model. The results demonstrated that both mindfulness (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and perceived teacher support (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) were significant positive predictors of student engagement. Furthermore, student engagement was found to significantly predict psychological well-being (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis using bootstrapping confirmed that student engagement partially mediated the effects of mindfulness and teacher support on well-being. Overall, the structural model explained 41% of the variance in student engagement and 38% of the variance in psychological well-being. These findings underscore the importance of integrating internal psychological resources with interpersonal environmental supports to foster learner flourishing. The study concludes with practical implications for EFL practitioners, highlighting the need for mindfulness-integrated instruction and affective scaffolding to enhance learner engagement and holistic development.
Research Paper
CALL & MALL
Saman Ebadi; Ahmad Najafi
Abstract
The growing importance of technology for teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic urges educators to become technology-proficient teachers and use technology to run their classes. Meanwhile, teachers with different traits may have various perceptions of using technology. This study explores the relationships ...
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The growing importance of technology for teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic urges educators to become technology-proficient teachers and use technology to run their classes. Meanwhile, teachers with different traits may have various perceptions of using technology. This study explores the relationships between teachers' personality types and attitudes toward adopting technology in English Language Teaching (ELT). Thus, it is aimed to determine if personality types would predict teachers' attitudes toward technology (ATT) in ELT. An online questionnaire with 92 participants (English language teachers) using the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991) for personality domains and Kessler's (2007) questionnaire for measuring ATT were utilized. After analyzing the data, it was uncovered that the personality types could predict ATT in ELT. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between personality factors and ATT among English language teachers. The results showed a significant positive relationship between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience on one side, and ATT. Additionally, Neuroticism was not found to be significant in the ATT. The Findings indicated that teachers' negative ATT might have a detrimental effect on its implementation in the classroom. This study's findings might shed new light on the relations between types of personalities and their priority for running technology-oriented classes.
Research Paper
Teacher Education
Saeed Nourzadeh; Hossein Davari; Seyyed Behnam Alavi Moghaddam
Abstract
This study investigated the validity and measurement invariance of an adapted version of the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice scale for assessing prospective teachers’ motivations for and perceptions of choosing to become teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Iran. To this end, ...
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This study investigated the validity and measurement invariance of an adapted version of the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice scale for assessing prospective teachers’ motivations for and perceptions of choosing to become teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Iran. To this end, 173 pre-service teachers who intended to pursue EFL teaching as their future career completed the adapted instrument, named the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice–English as a Foreign Language (FITefl-Choice) scale. The collected data were analyzed using a combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques to examine the internal structure of the adapted scale, followed by measurement invariance testing to evaluate the stability of the model across demographic groups. The analyses supported a parsimonious factorial structure that demonstrated stronger conceptual coherence and empirical adequacy than competing models. In addition, the results indicated that the measurement properties of the scale were consistent across gender and university type, suggesting that the instrument functions equivalently across these groups. The theoretical and practical implications of using the FITefl-Choice scale are discussed, and recommendations for future validation studies of this adapted instrument are provided.
Research Paper
ESP & EAP
Mohammad Hossein Afsharipoor; Taha Saedi Roudi; Seyed Ali Mousavi Mohammadi; Mohammad Amini Farsani
Abstract
Employing reliable evidence-based academic word lists has been a noticeable concern for numerous educators, students, and researchers in English for Academic/Specific Purposes (EAP/ESP) courses. Currently, many of these courses still lack research-oriented materials and rely heavily on traditional ways ...
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Employing reliable evidence-based academic word lists has been a noticeable concern for numerous educators, students, and researchers in English for Academic/Specific Purposes (EAP/ESP) courses. Currently, many of these courses still lack research-oriented materials and rely heavily on traditional ways of teaching field-specific terminologies. This study aimed to create a specialized corpus to identify the most frequent academic words in Welding Metallurgy (WM) and to analyze the most prevalent three- and four-word lexical bundles (N-grams). We employed a corpus-based approach, and identified top-tier journals of WM; then, we analyzed the articles from 2017 to 2023 that followed the Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion (IMRD) format. As such, 875 empirical research articles were compiled and analyzed to establish a specialized corpus with four million words. After applying word selection criteria, 608 lemmas were identified. Furthermore, we recognized 68 technical acronyms in the field and grouped them into an independent list. We also highlighted the most prevalent N-grams to explore the field's formulaic language. Consequently, 61 prevalent technical N-grams were recognized. As part of pedagogical implications, this study would deepen ESP course instructors’ knowledge and urges them to be more mindful of evidence-based material. It also encourages students to give more weight to their fundamental discipline-specific needs by incorporating authentic word lists in practice.
Research Paper
Language Skills
Sasan Baleghizadeh; Reyhaneh Mohajer
Abstract
The present study was an attempt to investigate the effects of textually enhanced dual subtitles (TEDS) on vocabulary learning and listening comprehension among Iranian intermediate-level English language learners. The research explored how different types of subtitles—TEDS, plain dual subtitles ...
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The present study was an attempt to investigate the effects of textually enhanced dual subtitles (TEDS) on vocabulary learning and listening comprehension among Iranian intermediate-level English language learners. The research explored how different types of subtitles—TEDS, plain dual subtitles (PDS), and no subtitles—impact learners’ ability to learn vocabulary and influence their listening comprehension. To achieve this goal, 51 Iranian intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners from a private Institute (i.e., Iran National Language Institute) were randomly assigned to three groups: The first experimental group, namely TEDS watched six episodes of the American sitcom Friends with TEDS; the second experimental group with PDS, and the control group without any subtitles. Before and after the treatment, all the participants took tests assessing their vocabulary knowledge and listening comprehension. The results revealed that, regarding vocabulary posttest, the participants exposed to TEDS performed significantly better than those who watched videos with PDS or no subtitles. However, the difference in listening comprehension scores between the TEDS group and the PDS group was not statistically significant. Additionally, the PDS group performed significantly better than the no-subtitles group in both vocabulary and listening comprehension tests. This research highlights the potential of TEDS in supporting vocabulary learning. The findings suggest that further exploration into different types of textual enhancement of various language elements and their effects on various language skills is necessary to improve instructional practices and enhance language learning tools.
Research Paper
Phonetics & Phonology
Musa Nushi; Parisa Zibaei; Mehran Hosseinkhani
Abstract
Pronunciation remains a persistent challenge for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. This is particularly important in contexts where segmental/suprasegmental features differ from those of learners’ first language. Translanguaging is widely recognized as a beneficial pedagogical approach ...
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Pronunciation remains a persistent challenge for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. This is particularly important in contexts where segmental/suprasegmental features differ from those of learners’ first language. Translanguaging is widely recognized as a beneficial pedagogical approach in language education. It is defined as learners’ strategic use of their full linguistic repertoire, including first and additional languages, to support meaning-making and learning. However, its application to pronunciation instruction has received limited empirical attention. This quasi-experimental mixed-methods study examined the effectiveness of translanguaging-based instruction in developing Iranian EFL learners’ segmental/suprasegmental pronunciation features and explored participants’ perceptions of this approach. Twenty upper-intermediate Iranian EFL students were assigned to the experimental and control groups. Over 27 instructional sessions, the experimental group received translanguaging-based pronunciation instruction, while the control group followed a communicative English-only approach. Data were collected through pretest–posttest pronunciation tasks, acoustic analysis using Praat, and semi-structured interviews, and they were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests and thematic analysis. The quantitative results revealed significant improvements in several suprasegmental features, including linking, epenthesis, deletion, sentence stress, and word stress, whereas gains in segmental features were limited. Acoustic analysis indicated significant changes in F2 onset frequencies for the diphthongs /oʊ/ and /eɪ/. Qualitative findings showed that students perceived translanguaging as enhancing comprehension and reducing anxiety. They also reported it created a more supportive learning environment and varied in effectiveness across pronunciation features. Findings suggest translanguaging is particularly effective for suprasegmental pronunciation development and offers pedagogical value for creating a learner-centered EFL pronunciation instruction.
Research Paper
Interlanguage Pragmatics (ILP)
Rasoul Mohammad Hosseinpur; Homa Mousavi
Abstract
Although there are growing attempts to equip learners with strategies in the English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classroom, there has not been much effort made to implement strategies to assist learners in the learning of speech acts (e.g., Cohen & Ishihara, 2005). Moreover, in the realm ...
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Although there are growing attempts to equip learners with strategies in the English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classroom, there has not been much effort made to implement strategies to assist learners in the learning of speech acts (e.g., Cohen & Ishihara, 2005). Moreover, in the realm of second language acquisition, the exploration of individual differences has garnered significant attention from researchers and practitioners alike. Considering these two important facts, this study delved into the intricate relationship between willingness to communicate (WTC), learner subjectivity, and the utilization of speech act strategies among 200 Iranian EFL learners. Drawing upon the WTC questionnaire developed by MacIntyre et al. (2001), learner subjectivity scale by LoCastro (2001), and speech act strategy inventory by Cohen and Ishihara (2005), this research aimed to unravel the interplay between these variables. The findings obtained through Spearman's rho correlation illuminated the positive interplay between WTC and learners' speech act strategy use, as well as the positive interaction between learner subjectivity and EFL learners' speech act strategy use. These results underscore the significance of personal attributes, such as WTC and learner subjectivity, in influencing learners' strategic competence in utilizing speech acts. Furthermore, this study contributes valuable insights for learners seeking to enhance their autonomy and self-directed learning, while also fostering a deeper awareness of individual differences and speech act strategies among EFL learners to facilitate their success and self-confidence.
Research Paper
CALL & MALL
Muhammed Parviz; Masoud Azizi
Abstract
Advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, offer new possibilities for language learning. This study, grounded in sociocultural theory, examined the impact of an AI assistant (Monica) on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing development. ...
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Advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, offer new possibilities for language learning. This study, grounded in sociocultural theory, examined the impact of an AI assistant (Monica) on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing development. A total of 120 male students (aged 26–36, A2 proficiency) participated in a four-month in-service program. The participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which engaged in AI-mediated collaborative writing, or a control group, which collaborated face-to-face. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, integrating pretest–posttest measures, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analyses (Split-Plot ANOVA) showed that the AI-assisted group significantly outperformed the control group in Organization, Language Use, and Mechanics, but not in Content or Vocabulary. Importantly, students’ perceptions shifted dramatically: While only 23% initially held positive expectations, 90% reported positive experiences post-intervention, highlighting the role of affective factors in technology adoption. Qualitative data confirmed cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational benefits of AI interaction, but also revealed challenges including overreliance on AI, uncritical acceptance of feedback, difficulty integrating new vocabulary, and cognitive overload when faced with multiple corrections. Sociocultural concerns, such as academic integrity, face-saving practices, and peer judgment, further influenced student engagement. From a theoretical standpoint, the study contributes to sociocultural scholarship by evidencing the ways in which student–AI interaction shapes and mediates writing development. Pedagogically, it calls for intentional scaffolding to foster critical and reflective practices, reframing AI not as a functional tool but as a meaningful collaborator in the learning process.
Research Paper
ESP & EAP
Faranak Nabi; Mohammad Reza Khodadust; Nader Asadi Aydinlou
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated the communicative competence and communicative strategies employed by Iranian English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students and teachers, a context where curricula often prioritize linguistic knowledge over interactive proficiency. Data were collected from 150 Master ...
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This mixed-methods study investigated the communicative competence and communicative strategies employed by Iranian English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students and teachers, a context where curricula often prioritize linguistic knowledge over interactive proficiency. Data were collected from 150 Master of Arts (MA) engineering students and ten ESP instructors using a communicative competence questionnaire and audio-recorded classroom observations. The observations were transcribed and coded using an established taxonomy of communicative strategies, which demonstrated high inter-rater reliability. The results revealed a difference wherein students reported strong self-perceived interpersonal skills but exhibited significant difficulties in conversational smoothness and comfort. Analysis of classroom interactions showed that students relied predominantly on compensatory strategies, with a heavy use of code-switching, while teachers primarily used stalling strategies. A significant difference was found in the strategic patterns between the two groups, and more complex strategies like circumlocution were absent among the students. The findings point to a critical misalignment between students’ sociocultural confidence and their strategic repertoire, underscoring a systemic neglect of oral proficiency and strategy training. The study concludes that a curricular shift toward explicit strategy instruction and authentic communicative practice is urgently needed in Iranian ESP education.
Research Paper
CALL & MALL
Farzaneh Dehghan; Zahra Mobki
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of gamified language teaching on motivation and writing proficiency of Iranian pre-intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study involved 60 learners aged 12–16, registered in four language classes of a ...
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This study investigated the effects of gamified language teaching on motivation and writing proficiency of Iranian pre-intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study involved 60 learners aged 12–16, registered in four language classes of a private institute. Two classes were randomly selected as experimental groups receiving gamified language instruction, and two classes were chosen as control groups receiving traditional instruction. The quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-writing tasks scored using Jacobs et al.’s (1981) analytic rubric and a validated Persian version of Dörnyei and Taguchi’s (2009) motivation questionnaire. The results of mixed-design Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that learners exposed to digital gamification demonstrated significantly greater gains in motivation and writing performance than those in the control group. The qualitative data from semi-structured interviews further supported these findings, revealing themes of increased motivation, enhanced engagement, perceived improvement in writing skills, user-friendly technology, and a strong preference for gamified learning. The findings suggest that well-designed digital gamification can effectively enhance both affective and linguistic outcomes in EFL writing instruction. Pedagogical implications highlight the importance of aligning game elements with instructional goals while balancing extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation.
Research Paper
CALL & MALL
Karim Shabani; Armin Zakarianejad
Abstract
While a growing body of research testifies to the benefits of asynchronous computer-mediated communication (ACMC) for foreign language learning, its contributions within the field of interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) have remained underexplored. To address this gap, the present study aimed to unveil the ...
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While a growing body of research testifies to the benefits of asynchronous computer-mediated communication (ACMC) for foreign language learning, its contributions within the field of interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) have remained underexplored. To address this gap, the present study aimed to unveil the impact of mobile-assisted (text vs. voice messaging) ACMC on Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' pragmatic learning of apologies and requests. Utilizing a mixed method, pretest-posttest design, data from sixty intermediate Iranian EFL learners studying English at Shokouh Language Institute in Babolsar, Mazandaran were obtained based on the results of an Oxford Placement Test (OPT). The participants were assigned into two experimental groups (text-messaging, N = 20; voice-messaging, N = 20) and one control group (N = 20). A Written Discourse Completion Test (WDCT) and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The pretest and posttest analysis revealed the experimental groups’ significant gains through both text and voice messaging, with only a negligible difference between their effectiveness. The qualitative findings led to the detection of three significant themes a posteriori, namely flexibility and convenience, lower pressure, and promotion of collaborative learning and emotional engagement. The findings suggest that by incorporating multiple modes of interaction, mobile-assisted ACMC grants learners a variety of technological affordances to enrich their pragmatic learning.
Research Paper
Applied Linguistics
Raziyeh Mashayekh; Reza Dashtestani
Abstract
Integrating Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) principles within Electronic Portfolios (e-portfolios) promotes reflection, progress monitoring, and strategic refinement, potentially strengthening learners’ speaking self-efficacy. Despite this alignment, empirical research on self-regulatory e-portfolios ...
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Integrating Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) principles within Electronic Portfolios (e-portfolios) promotes reflection, progress monitoring, and strategic refinement, potentially strengthening learners’ speaking self-efficacy. Despite this alignment, empirical research on self-regulatory e-portfolios for speaking self-efficacy is limited. To address this gap, the present study examined the effects of a OneNote-based self-regulatory e-portfolio on Iranian EFL learners’ speaking self-efficacy and their attitudes toward the tool in an online speaking course. Grounded in SRL and social cognitive theory, speaking self-efficacy was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct encompassing performance, linguistic, and self-regulatory self-efficacy. A total of 52 intermediate and upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners, selected based on a PET sample test, were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. Over a five-week online course, the experimental group developed self-regulatory e-portfolios in OneNote structured according to Zimmerman’s (2000) cyclical model of self-regulation. In contrast, the control group received conventional instruction. Data were collected using the 18-item Self-Efficacy for EFL Speaking Scale (SEESS), an attitude questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) revealed statistically significant gains in performance, linguistic, and self-regulatory self-efficacy for the experimental group, with medium to large effect sizes. Learners also reported positive attitudes toward the e-portfolio, valuing its accessibility, organizational features, and support for reflection, goal setting, and feedback, despite some initial emotional and usability challenges. Overall, the findings underscore the pedagogical value of OneNote-based self-regulatory e-portfolios for enhancing speaking self-efficacy in online EFL contexts.
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