Impact of Positive Emotions on the Willingness to Communicate in Second Language

Abstract

Globally, second language (L2) education aims to empower the learners with skills and motivation necessary for effective communication. The current study investigated the association between ten positive emotions and the Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in L2. The emotions studied were joy, gratitude, interest, serenity, amusement, hope, pride, awe, inspiration, and love. While previous research conducted on this topic was largely confined to the Western context, this study incorporated the Pakistani context as well to establish a more comprehensive picture. Three hundred (300) undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Islamabad, Pakistan took part in the research. The findings revealed that gratitude, pride, hope, inspiration, and amusement tend to impact students’ WTC in L2. The results offer many practical insights for policymakers, teachers, and higher education students. HEIs may develop/conduct a variety of policies, strategies, initiatives, trainings, and workshops to address L2 communication based on the findings of this research.