A Pragmatic Competence, Language Proficiency and Writing Performance of Iraqi EFL University Students: A Correlational Study

Abstract

This study aims at finding out the correlation between pragmatic competence, language proficiency, and writing performance of Iraqi EFL university students. The sample was selected randomly which consists of a total of 40 students in the 3rd and 4th years students of the Departments of English/ College of Education for Human Sciences/ Wasit University. The three instruments of the study (pragmatic competence questionnaire, language proficiency questionnaire, and writing performance test) were implemented on the sample of the study during the academic year 2021-2022 to find out the correlation between these three variables. The data are manipulated statistically for offering a descriptive analysis of the findings of the study. The study reveals that students’ pragmatic competence correlates positively with their writing performance meanwhile their language proficiency correlates positively with their writing performance. Moreover, students’ language proficiency is found to have more contribution to their level of writing performance than their pragmatic competence. This study revealed that the level of writing performance increases with a higher level of language proficiency. Finally, the findings of this study pointed out that pragmatic competence, language proficiency, and writing performance were correlated significantly and positively.