Linguistic, cognitive, and affective components of L2 listening comprehension: A multidimensional model

Tuncay Karalık; Ali Merç

doi:10.30827/portalin.vi43.30647

Authors

Tuncay Karalık Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Türkiye (Corresponding author) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9300-9367
Ali Merç Anadolu University, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3061-7899

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.vi43.30647

Keywords:

linguistic components, cognitive components, affective components, L2 listening, componential approach

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in L2 listening with regard to the factors involved in the process. Previous studies mainly focused on how certain variables influence L2 listening without investigating how the variables interact with each other as well. Adopting a componential approach, the present study aimed to investigate how grammar and vocabulary knowledge, L2 listening anxiety and willingness to listen in L2, working memory, and metacognitive awareness interact with overall L2 listening and each other. A group of 212 university students with intermediate to upper-intermediate proficiency enrolled at two state universities in 2020-2021 calendar in Turkey participated in the study. The participants completed a series of instruments measuring each one of the variables over a three-week period. The relationship between the components and L2 listening was measured through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation. After meticulous analyses, a statistically and theoretically sound model was put forward. The model highlights the significant impact of these components on L2 listening comprehension and displays their complex interplay with each other. Within this intricate web, vocabulary and grammar emerge as pivotal components, substantially influencing L2 comprehension as well as interacting with and shaping the other variables.

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Author Biographies

Tuncay Karalık, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Türkiye (Corresponding author)

Dr. Tuncay Karalık currently works as a research assistant in the department of English language teaching at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University. He got his BA (2012) from Uludağ University, and MA (2016) and PhD (2023) from Anadolu University. Experienced in research methods for over ten years, he has keen interest in L2 vocabulary acquisition, L1 transfer in L2 acquisition, L2 listening and reading comprehension, and L2 writing.

Ali Merç, Anadolu University, Türkiye

Dr. Ali Merç is a full-time professor and head of English Language Teaching department at Anadolu University. He received his BA (2000), MA (2004), and PhD (2010) from Anadolu University. He is currently teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and supervising MA and PhD theses. His research interests include pre-service EFL teacher education, language teaching and learning/teaching anxiety, teaching practicum issues, and distance foreign language teacher education.

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