Exploring the Intersections among Masculinity, Emotionality, Willingness to Communicate, and Communication Apprehension: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Conformity to masculine gender roles (hereafter CTMGR) is characterized by toughness, hardness, emotional restrictiveness, competitiveness, and dominance in general. Although it has been widely studied in other disciplines, little is known about its role in second/foreign language (L2) affective variables. Addressing this gap, this exploratory case study investigates how male Turkish undergraduate and graduate English-as-a-Foreign Language (EFL) learners perceive, experience, and interpret the intersection between CTMGR and L2 affective constructs (i.e., emotionality, willingness to communicate, and communication apprehension). Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews with male EFL learners majoring in English Language Teaching. Participants were purposefully selected for their potential to provide insights into the intersection between masculinity and L2 language. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA revealed that CTMGR was commonly associated with suppressing emotional expression and reluctance in communicative engagement. This suppression was perceived to limit male EFL learners’ willingness to communicate and escalate their L2 communication apprehension. Cultural and societal expectations in Türkiye were also found to play a significant role in shaping these perceived dynamics. This study is the first of its type in the EFL context that qualitatively reveals the intersections between masculinity and L2 affective constructs. The findings offer pedagogical insights for developing more inclusive, gender-aware, and culturally responsive L2 teaching practices.

Keywords

• Conformity to traditional masculine roles
• emotional intelligence
• L2 Willingness to communicate
• L2 Communication apprehension

Erkeklik, Duygusallık, İletişim Kurma İsteği ve İletişim Kaygısı Arasındaki Kesişimleri Keşfetmek: Nitel Bir Araştırma

Abstract

Geleneksel erkeklik rollerine uyum, genel olarak sertlik, dayanıklılık, duygusal kısıtlılık, rekabetçilik ve baskınlık ile karakterize edilir. Diğer disiplinlerde yaygın olarak incelenmiş olmasına rağmen, yabancı dil duyuşsal değişkenleri üzerindeki rolü hakkında çok az bilgi bulunmaktadır. Bu boşluğu ele almayı amaçlayan bu keşifsel durum çalışması, yabancı dil olarak İngilizce öğrenen Türk erkek lisans ve lisansüstü öğrencilerinin, geleneksel erkeklik rollerine uyum ile yabancı dil duyuşsal yapıları (yani duygusallık, iletişim kurma isteği ve iletişim kaygısı) arasındaki kesişimi nasıl algıladığını, deneyimlediğini ve yorumladığını incelemektedir. Veriler, İngilizce Öğretmenliği bölümünde eğitimine devam eden erkek öğrencilerden bire bir yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Katılımcılar, erkeklik ve yabancı dil arasındaki kesişim hakkında görüş sağlayabilecek potansiyelleri açısından dikkate alınarak amaçlı olarak seçilmiştir. MAXQDA ile gerçekleştirilen tematik analiz, geleneksel erkeklik rollerine uyumun duygusal ifadeyi bastırma ve iletişimde isteksizlik ile sıkça ilişkili olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Bu bastırma, erkek öğrencilerinin yabancı dilde iletişim kurma isteğini sınırlayabileceğini ve iletişim kaygılarını arttırabilecek bir potansiyel olarak algılanmıştır. Ayrıca, Türkiye’deki kültürel ve toplumsal beklentilerin, bu algılanan dinamiklerin şekillenmesinde önemli bir rol oynadığı görülmüştür. Bu çalışma, İngilizcenin yabancı dil olarak öğretildiği bağlamda erkeklik ve yabancı dil duyuşsal yapıları arasındaki kesişimleri nitel olarak ortaya koyan ilk çalışmadır. Bulgular, daha kapsayıcı, cinsiyet farkındalığına sahip ve kültürel olarak duyarlı yabancı dil öğretim uygulamaları geliştirmeye yönelik pedagojik tavsiyeler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Erkeklik
• Duygusallık
• İletişim Kurma İsteği
• İletişim Kaygısı

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