EFL Learners' Home Culture Attachment and their Attitudes towards English Language Learning: A structural equation modeling approach

Zahra Sharifi Feriz,Khalil Motallebzadeh,Ma'Ssoumeh Bemani Naeini

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.7p.161

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to examine home culture attachment construct and its underlying variables among Iranian English as Foreign Language learners as well as their attitudes towards English language learning. Pearson correlation is used with a sample of 411 English major university students from different provinces in Iran, mainly Khorasan Razavi, Khoran Jonoubi and Sistan Baluchestan participated in this study. As for the quantitative phase of data collection, the study employed home culture attachment and attitude towards English language learning questionnaires. The reliability and validity of these questionnaires are reported. A home culture attachment model and an attitude model are also developed and tested using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that all three subscales of attitudes (emotional, behavioral, and cognitive) are positive and significant predictors of students' western attachment. From three subscales of attitude, only behavioral attitude is negative and significant predictors of students' religious attachment. In addition, Iranian attachment is influenced by cognitive attitudes and emotional attitudes. Besides, cognitive attitude is a positive and significant predictor of students' cultural attachment. It is also found that, artistic attachment is influenced by behavioral attitudes and emotional attitudes. Finally, the pedagogical implications are discussed in light of foreign language achievement.

Highlights

Attachment theory is originated from the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991)
This study considers the concept of attitude as one of the major affective factors which has an influence on home culture attachment
The results show that because of the familiarity with English language and culture, the EFL learners are more or less detach from their own culture; it means that their home culture attachment is decreased

Summary

Introduction

Attachment theory is originated from the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991). Bowlby (1969) stated that an internal working model of attachment exists in individuals. In an internal working model each person has a self as valued and reliable character. Cultural differences have significant roles in setting the attachment behaviors such as, feeling of security and creating opportunity for the members. Cultural attachment theory develops the role of the emotional bonds that people establish with their cultural groups. According to Bowlby (1973), relationships with attachment figures play an important role in human development, affecting individuals’ mental health, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relations throughout their life span

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