초록 열기/닫기 버튼
Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) is often associated with Willingness to Communicate in a second language (L2 WTC). This study aims to examine whether English as an International Language (EIL) perceptions mediate the relationship between IDLE and L2 WTC of learners. Survey data was collected from 206 secondary school students in Korea. The questionnaire of IDLE activities asked whether they watch videos in English (Receptive IDLE) and communicate with others in English (Productive IDLE) through social media like YouTube and Instagram. L2 WTC survey asked how participants were willing to speak in English in the classroom. EIL perception scale examined the perception of the status of English, the variety of English speakers’ accents, and communication strategies. The results found that EIL perception partially mediated the relationship between IDLE and L2 WTC. The findings suggest that learners who participate in IDLE activities have more positive EIL perceptions, which leads to a higher level of WTC. The present study has pedagogical implications for teachers to encourage secondary school students to engage more frequently in IDLE activities autonomously which may enhance positive attitudes toward the varieties of English and the level of L2 WTC in the classroom.
