AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTORS AFFECTING A2-LEVEL ENGLISH LEARNERS’ ABILITY TO MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT DURING SPEAKING ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This article investigates the factors affecting A2-level English language learners’ ability to maintain eye contact during speaking activities. Eye contact is a crucial component of non-verbal communication and plays a significant role in effective oral interaction. The study focuses on psychological, linguistic, and pedagogical factors that influence learners’ performance during speaking tasks. A mixed-method research design was employed, including questionnaires, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that speaking anxiety, limited vocabulary knowledge, low self-confidence, and insufficient communicative practice negatively affect learners’ ability to maintain eye contact. The study highlights the importance of integrating non-verbal communication training into speaking instruction for lower-level learners.