The effect of input-based practice on the accurate and speedy performance of EFL refusals: The role of proficiency and lexical access ability in focus

Abstract

This study examined the effect of input-based practice on the development of the accurate and speedy recognition and production of English refusals among Iranian EFL learners. It was, also, interested in the possible role of general language proficiency and lexical access ability as a cognitive skill on the enhancement of pragmatic accuracy and speed. Seventy-six Persian learners of English were assigned to either input-based or control group. Before the treatment, a lexical access test and a proficiency test were taken. After a five- session treatment, a Pragmatic Listening Judgment Test (PLJT) and an Oral Discourse Completion Test (ODCT) were run. The results indicated the positive effect of input-based practice in speedy recognition and accurate production of English refusals. In addition, general L2 proficiency and lexical access ability correlated significantly with the pragmatic accuracy and pragmatic speed of the learners, respectively, both in the recognition and production of English refusals.