Correlation of the Non-Intellective Factors on the Learners’ Second Language Competencies

Abstract

Non-intellective factors are elements that do not involve cognition, such as biological, social and physiological, which could affect the student’s ability to learn the second language. While most researches focus on the factors relating to the intellectual ability of the learners, the attention to non-intellective correlates became limited. This paper determines the correlation between the non-intellective factors and the learners’ second language competencies. Descriptive-correlational and comparative methods of research were used. The study involved 385 Grade 12 student-respondents from the 27 selected public and private senior high schools. Significant results revealed that non-intellective factors such as language learning anxiety as to test anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and communication apprehension are significantly related to the learners’ second language competencies; however, the learning environment does not significantly relate with the learners’ second language competencies. Meanwhile, the test of difference on the responses from the public and private school respondents revealed that the language learning anxiety in terms of fear of negative evaluation and communication apprehension were found significant while the language learning anxiety in terms of test anxiety as well as the learning environment as to teachers’ attitudes, instructional practices and school facilities were deemed not significant. The author concludes that language learning anxiety affects the learners’ second language competencies.