The interplay of nonverbal behavior, affect, and language in perceptions of second language ability

Abstract This study investigated linguistic laypersons’ use of nonverbal behavior when formulating judgments of second language (L2) ability. Eighty‐three first language (L1) English‐speaking participants watched and rated samples of L2 English speakers on language and affective dimensions. Twenty of the participants later took part in stimulated verbal recall sessions that elicited their decision‐making processes while rating the videos. An analysis of the sessions revealed that while participants largely commented on language, test interaction, and affect, 11% of their attentional focus was on nonverbal behavior. A breakdown of the comments showed that participants focused most of their attention on eye gaze, mouth behaviors, and paralinguistic cues. A thematic analysis of the dataset showed that participants used nonverbal behavior largely to interpret the speakers’ affect, which was an important heuristic in interpreting the speakers’ language proficiency. The speakers’ adaptability to breakdowns moderated the impact of comprehension breakdowns, while approachability played a role in comprehensibility. Assuredness, through confidence and low anxiety, was closely intertwined with overall language ability ratings without a clear causal role. Overall, nonverbal behavior and affect played an important, though often indirect, role in the perception of L2 ability.