Openness to experience as a predictor of L2 WTC. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piechurska-Kuciel, Ewa
• Is Part Of: System. Volume 72(2018)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Langage et langues -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 407
• DOI: 10.1016/j.system.2018.01.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0346-251X

Abstract

Abstract: This paper aims to provide empirical evidence for the relationship between openness to experience and L2 willingness to communicate (WTC). The study posits that openness as a personality dimension may have a dual effect—both direct and indirect—on one's L2 WTC levels. First, openness directly influences L2 WTC through its stable character, shaping one's cognition, affect and behaviour. Also, it has a possible dual indirect impact by mediating perceived communicative competence and language anxiety. According to the results of step-wise multiple regression, openness can be regarded a significant predictor of L2 WTC, explaining 21% of its variability. It may be concluded that students with high levels of openness demonstrate their stable predispositions to look for gratification through initiating verbal encounters in a foreign language. Together, the variables included in the model explain over 45% of L2 WTC variability, stressing the mediating role of perceived communicative competence (operationalized as self-perceived levels of FL skills) and language anxiety.