Linguistic, cognitive, and affective components of L2 listening comprehension: A multidimensional model

There has been a growing interest in L2 listening with regard to the factors involved in the process. Previous studies mainly focused on how certain variables influence L2 listening without investigating how the variables interact with each other as well. Adopting a componential approach, the present study aimed to investigate how grammar and vocabulary knowledge, L2 listening anxiety and willingness to listen in L2, working memory, and metacognitive awareness interact with overall L2 listening and each other. A group of 212 university students with intermediate to upper-intermediate proficiency enrolled at two state universities in 2020-2021 calendar in Turkey participated in the study. The participants completed a series of instruments measuring each one of the variables over a three-week period. The relationship between the components and L2 listening was measured through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation. After meticulous analyses, a statistically and theoretically sound model was put forward. The model highlights the significant impact of these components on L2 listening comprehension and displays their complex interplay with each other. Within this intricate web, vocabulary and grammar emerge as pivotal components, substantially influencing L2 comprehension as well as interacting with and shaping the other variables.