Language Choice in Pre-Speaking Discussions and EFL Learners' Oral Performance, Willingness to Communicate, and Self-Confidence

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of English Language, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 English language and literature Dep., Faculty of Literature and Languages, Arak University, Iran

Abstract

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined how the language used in pre-speaking discussions (PSDs) relates to Iranian EFL learners' oral language performance (OLP), willingness to communicate (WTC), and linguistic self-confidence (LSC). Thirty-six male B2-level learners in a university speaking workshop took part. We implemented three PSD language modes across five intact discussion groups: L1-only (Turkish n = 7, Kurdish n = 6, Arabic n = 7), L2-only (English, n = 9), and mixed L1–L2 (n = 7). Over 10 sessions, each group completed a 10-minute PSD in its assigned mode before a 20-minute English-speaking task. We measured WTC, LSC, and OLP before and after the intervention. One-way ANCOVAs on post-test scores, controlling for pre-test scores, showed significant between-group effects for WTC, F(4, 30) = 4.56, p = .005, partial η² = .38, and LSC, F(4, 30) = 6.21, p = .001, partial η² = .45, but not for OLP, F(4, 30) = 1.84, p = .148. Exploratory within-group comparisons showed significant LSC gains in all four groups whose PSDs involved the first language (gav = 0.34–0.55) and a significant WTC gain in the mixed-language group (gav = 0.34); the English-only group changed significantly on neither affective outcome, and no significant OLP change was detected in any group. Interviews with 25 participants indicated that L1-involving PSDs were experienced as reducing anxiety, supporting brainstorming, and increasing readiness to speak. Because the groups were intact and participants were not randomly assigned, the findings are interpreted as associational rather than causal.

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References

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Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly
Volume 45, Issue 4
September 2026
Pages 109-131

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 26 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 09 September 2026

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