The Effect of Shyness on Iranian EFL Learners’ Language Learning Motivation and Willingness to Communicate

The present study intends to investigate the effect of shyness on Iranian EFL learners' language learning motivation and willingness to communicate. In western countries shyness has been considered as an undesirable personality trait that may interfere with one's interpersonal interactions and affect life satisfaction. However, shyness is viewed differently in Iranian cultures. In Iranian society, people are encouraged to control their personal desires. Among the variables that influence L2 learning, shyness and language learning motivation are two critical predictors, whereas willingness to communicate also often influences learners' performance in L2 communication. This study was conducted with 60 EFL learners who were taking English courses at a private English institute in Shiraz. They were asked to fill out self-report questionnaires about their shyness, motivations in their English studies, and their willingness to communicate. Results indicated that intrinsic motivation to accomplish appears to be the most important predictor among all motivation regulations for all students. Results also indicated that shyness and language learning motivations were positively correlated.