Foreign Language Teaching and Research

This study investigated the effects of dialogic tasks on Iranian English as Foreign Language learners' autonomy considering the mediating effects of the learners’ gender and levels of proficiency as well. A total number of 213 male and female Iranian EFL learners within the age range of 15-26 were selected through convenience sampling from three language schools in Fars, Iran. The Oxford Quick Placement Test was run to ensure homogeneity, and choose learners at two levels of proficiency (upper vs. lower intermediate), later assigned to experimental and control groups. Then, a translated version of learner autonomy questionnaire was run as the pretest and posttest. The treatment was dialogic tasks operationalized through storytelling and picture description tasks. Three-way ANCOVA was conducted to compare the autonomy posttest scores of the male and female learners in the two experimental and control groups at the two proficiency levels of lower- and upper-intermediate. The results of data analysis showed that dialogic tasks had a significant effect on increasing the autonomy among EFL learners. Nonetheless, levels of proficiency and gender did not have any significant mediating effects on the autonomy of the learners under investigation. The study will provide robust implications for language teachers and learners.

This non-experimental study aimed to figure out if Iranian novice and expert EFL teachers had differing attitudes regarding professional identity (PI). It also measured if gender and various social statuses of high, mid and low had any mediating role in novice and expert teachers’ attitudes towards PI. Therefore, a 20-item PI questionnaire to which demographic variables of, teaching experience, gender and social status attached was distributed through various means, including emails, social media platforms, and personal contacts due to sanitary protocols and in the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. These results indicate that regardless of experience level, gender, or social status, teachers' attitudes towards professional identity remain consistent. The study suggests that factors such as gender and social status do not play a significant role in shaping teachers' perceptions of their professional identity. Also, the findings of the study can be beneficial for teachers by highlighting that their attitudes towards professional identity are not significantly influenced by gender or social status. This can help alleviate concerns or biases related to these factors and encourage teachers to focus on their individual growth and development

This study investigates the impact of performance assessment on the writing competence and motivation for writing among Iraqi EFL learners. In light of the limitations of traditional assessment methods, which often fail to accurately reflect students' abilities and can induce anxiety, this research explores the effectiveness of performance-based assessments as a more engaging and authentic alternative. A total of 41 intermediate-level students from an Iraqi university participated in the study, divided into an experimental group that engaged in performance assessments through dialogue journals and a control group that followed traditional writing tasks. Pre-tests and post-tests were administered to evaluate writing competence, alongside an Academic Writing Motivation Questionnaire to assess changes in motivation levels. The results indicated that performance assessment significantly enhanced both writing proficiency and motivation for writing among the experimental group compared to the control group. This study underscores the importance of innovative assessment strategies in fostering a more effective and motivating learning environment for EFL learners. Performance Assessment, Writing Competence, Writing Motivation, Writing Proficiency

This study investigates the effectiveness of inductive and deductive instruction methods on grammar accuracy and appropriateness among Iranian intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. sixty participants, selected from an initial population of 120 students at Zabanzara English Language Institute in Gilan based on their scores on the OPT English proficiency test, were divided into three groups: one receiving inductive grammar instruction, another receiving deductive instruction, and a control group adhering to traditional grammar teaching methods. Over ten weeks, participants underwent a pretest to establish baseline grammar awareness, followed by respective interventions for each group. Posttests assessed changes in grammatical performance, with statistical analyses—including paired samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA—employed to evaluate pre- and post-intervention results. The findings indicate significant improvements in grammatical skills for both experimental groups compared to the control group, suggesting that inductive and deductive teaching methods are more effective than traditional approaches. However, the results did not show statistically significant differences between the inductive and deductive groups. This research underscores the potential benefits of innovative pedagogical strategies in enhancing EFL learners' grammatical understanding. It is recommended that 1. EFL instructors teaching grammar classes should consider the integration of both inductive and deductive teaching methods in their English language instruction.

This research sought to assess the integrated impact of CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) and PLT (Pragmatic Language Teaching) on language competency, pragmatic awareness, and cultural competence. The study used a mixed-methods methodology, integrating both pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations, in addition to technological tools to enhance learning experiences in 150 advanced EFL students from five Iranian universities. The results obtained from repeated measures ANOVA and t-tests demonstrated that the integrated use of CLT and PLT approach leads to a considerable enhancement in language proficiency, pragmatic awareness, and cultural competence, when compared to the utilization of either method individually. Qualitative findings demonstrated a notable rise in student self-assurance, enhanced comprehension of different cultures, and heightened levels of involvement. The results highlight the efficacy of combining Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Pragmatic Language Teaching (PLT) through the use of technology to improve global language training. The study's findings emphasize the necessity of providing instructor training in both strategies, developing a curriculum that effectively combines communicative and pragmatic features, and doing additional research to understand the long-term effects of integrated language teaching approaches. The research enhances our understanding of how the integration of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Pragmatic Language Teaching (PLT) might optimize language learning consequences and better equip students for real-life communication.

This paper explored how social variables such as gender, education, and age influence linguistic variation between the speech communities of Karbala and Baghdad. The study examined phonological, syntactic, and semantic variations within these communities, using a sociolinguistic lens. A total of 192 participants were selected, stratified by gender, age, education, and region, with data collected through sociolinguistic interviews. The results indicated that gender and education significantly impact the phonological features, while age influenced syntactic patterns. The study’s findings provide valuable understanding about the complex dynamics of linguistic variation in Iraq, offering new perspectives on the role of social factors in shaping local dialects. These results are consistent with previous sociolinguistic studies, yet they offer distinct contributions to our understanding of Iraqi dialectology. The field of sociolinguistics explores how social factors such as gender, age, education, and social class influence language use. This intersection of social characteristics and linguistic behavior becomes particularly pronounced in societies with significant dialectal diversity. Iraq, with its rich geographical, social, and linguistic diversity, presents an ideal setting for investigating these dynamics. The country is home to numerous dialects that reflect the historical, social, and cultural experiences of its people. Among Iraq's cities, Baghdad and Karbala stand out as unique linguistic environments that offer valuable insights into the relationship between social factors and language variation.

This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context. Using a mixed-methods design involving 50 EFL teachers, the study employs adapted assessment literacy measurement tools and reflective practices assessment tools. The results, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, paired t-tests, and qualitative exploration, highlight improvements in specific areas such as choosing appropriate assessment methods and using results for decision-making. Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context.

English for Specific Purposes, known as the acronym 'ESP’, has been a distinct activity in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). This study investigates the challenges Iranian MBA students face in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs from the perspectives of their instructors. Utilizing semi-structured interviews and classroom observations with ten ESP teachers, the research identifies five major themes: lack of relevant business background, medium of instruction issues, communication challenges (oral and listening skills), the speed of teachers' speech, and deficiencies in writing skills. Findings reveal that students with non-business backgrounds struggle with quantitative coursework, while the transition from Persian to English exacerbates difficulties, particularly for those juggling work and study. Teachers noted persistent issues with students’ English proficiency, notably in speaking and listening, which hindered class participation and comprehension. The rapid pace of lectures and poor note-taking skills further complicated students’ ability to keep up with the curriculum. To address these multifaceted challenges, the study suggests implementing remedial courses, enhancing English language support, and adjusting teaching methodologies. These tailored interventions aim to improve students' academic performance and overall learning experience in ESP programs, offering valuable insights for educational institutions striving to support MBA students better. The pedagogical implications are discussed.

One of the most relevant areas in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) that still merits further attention is the individual differences among English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners. With an eye on this issue, this study investigates the interrelations among stress coping strategies, foreign language anxiety (FLA), and language achievement among Iraqi EFL students. Utilizing a correlational research design, the study involved 150 upper-intermediate EFL learners who were randomly selected from EFL learners studying in two universities in Iraq. As for the data collection procedure phase of the study, the participants completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) to assess their levels of anxiety and coping strategies. The results indicated that there wsa a significant negative relationship between task-oriented coping strategies and foreign language anxiety, as well as a positive correlation between task-oriented coping and language achievement. The findings highlight the importance of effective coping strategies in mitigating anxiety and enhancing language learning outcomes among EFL learners. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for instructors to foster task-oriented coping strategies to improve language achievement and reduce anxiety, thereby creating a more supportive and effective learning environment.

This study investigates the ideological dimensions of media representation of the Russia-Ukraine crisis by comparing British and Arab online newspapers. Grounded in Fairclough's framework of Critical Discourse Analysis, this paper investigates the narrative structure of The Guardian, The Sun, Arab News, and Gulf News in representing the conflict and how sociocultural and political contexts influence language use and framing strategies underpinning the ideologies. The study shows that British media, most especially The Guardian and The Sun, claim to mainly reinforce Western geopolitical narratives by framing Russia as an aggressor and Ukraine as a victim of war, emphasizing themes of democracy, aggression, and victimization. However, the media in the Arab world, such as Arab News and Gulf News, afford a more balanced approach that focuses on regional concerns like economic stability, humanitarian issues, and neutrality; on the other hand, it also covers a broad spectrum of views. Using such a comparison, this study exemplifies and contrasts the different ideological roots of media discourse within diverse cultural and political contexts. By pointing out how sociopolitical priorities and cultural values shape media framing, this study contributes to an understanding of the role that media plays in building global public opinion about international conflicts, more precisely in how media from different regions may frame the same event quite differently. This thus underlines the importance of cross-cultural media literacy and gives insight into the power of media in the perception-shaping process of a conflict.

Turn-taking is a fundamental aspect of human communication, reflecting cultural norms, social hierarchies, and individual identities. This study examines turn-taking patterns in Iraqi Arabic and American English conversations, focusing on the influence of gender and age on conversational participation and power dynamics. Using a mixed-methods design, the study analyzes quantitative metrics such as average turn length, interruptions, and response rates, alongside qualitative insights into social norms and cultural values. The findings reveal significant cross-cultural differences, with Iraqi Arabic conversations characterized by shorter turns, more frequent interruptions, and pronounced age and gender hierarchies, while American English conversations exhibit longer turns, fewer interruptions, and more egalitarian participation. These results align with theories of cross-cultural communication, such as Hall's (1976) high-context and low-context cultures, and highlight the role of cultural norms in shaping conversational behaviors. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of turn-taking as a sociocultural phenomenon and offers practical implications for intercultural communication training, language education, and conflict resolution. Limitations include the reliance on televised and university-based data, and suggestions for future research include expanding the corpus to include more languages and informal settings, as well as incorporating participant interviews and experimental designs.