Correlation Between Linguistic Intelligence and Proficiency in Reading and Writing in the EFL Classroom

Abstract

The present research work entitled “Correlation Between Linguistic Intelligence and Proficiency in Reading and Writing in the EFL Classroom” is an effort to find out the effect or role of one of the multiple intelligences i.e. linguistic intelligence in the Nepali classrooms where English has been taught and learnt as a foreign language. For the purpose of the study, the eleventh grade students of higher secondary school of Kathmandu valley were selected. Questionnaire and test items were the tools of data collection. Two types of questionnaire were used. Rating scale and checklist were used to prepare the linguistic intelligence profile of the students. The purpose of preparing the profile was establishing the preliminary intelligence identification of the students. Then, reading comprehension and writing tests were given to find out the linguistic proficiency of the students. After finding both linguistic intelligence profile and linguistic proficiency of the individual students, the average linguistic intelligence and linguistic proficiency was calculated. The calculation showed that the average score in linguistic intelligence and on linguistic proficiency were quite related. It showed the strong influence of linguistic intelligence on linguistic proficiency. Similarly, the coefficient of correlation between linguistic intelligence and linguistic proficiency was calculated. The correlation between them also showed the high positive correlation. The average score on linguistic intelligence and linguistic proficiency and the correlation between them showed that there is no doubt about the role of the linguistic intelligence of individual students on their linguistic performance or achievements. Yet, there are some rooms to say other several additional variables like personal and family background of the students bring differences in the student performance in language. But we can get enough proof to say that the linguistic intelligence is mainly responsible to get proficiency in the foreign language. The study consists of four chapters. The first chapter deals with the general background, literature review, hypothesis, objectives and significance of the study. The second chapter incorporates the methodology used in the study, the sources of the data, sampling procedure, tools of the data collection, process of data collection and limitations of the study. The third chapter includes presentation, analysis and interpretation and presentation of the collected data. The data obtained from the respondents were analyzed and presented systematically in the profiles and in the tables. Then, the data are interpreted in terms of average score and pearson product moment of correlation. The fourth chapter deals with the findings, recommendations and pedagogical implications.