Perceptions of Saudi EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate in the Extramural Digital Context

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors that may impact Saudi English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in an extramural digital (ED) environment. To do this, 50 Saudi EFL learners from different Saudi secondary schools were interviewed. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that there are three variables affecting the second language (L2) WTC of Saudi learners in the ED context: educational variables (including teacher-centred English pedagogy and use of L1 in the English classroom), contextual variables (including both familiarity with communication partners and familiarity with online communities) and Individual variables (including both L2 self-confidence and L2 anxiety). The findings of this research study contribute to achieving a better understanding of the L2 WTC of Saudi EFL learners in the ED context. Furthermore, the factors illustrated by the study findings can provide insight for teachers and policymakers in Saudi Arabia to promote the L2 WTC of Saudi EFL learners in classroom environments.