Investigating the Receptive Language Proficiency and Metaphorical Competence of Saudi EFL Learners

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to examine the correlation between receptive metaphoric competence and language proficiency among Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, while also investigating the influence of students' language competency levels on their metaphoric competence. The study involved a sample of 94 EFL learners, and a quantitative research approach was employed. Inferential statistics were utilized to address the research questions and hypotheses. The findings revealed a significant relationship between receptive metaphoric competence and language proficiency. Moreover, this study aims to address gaps in previous research by exploring conceptual metaphors and investigating the correlation between Receptive Metaphoric Competence and reading proficiency. By doing so, it contributes to the theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical advancements in the field of research and education. Additionally, this research holds considerable significance in the domain of language studies as it investigates the impacts of second language acquisition on Saudi learners. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the area of L2 metaphoric competency, thereby making a noteworthy contribution to the existing body of knowledge in this field.