An analysis of the relationship among EFL learner autonomy, self-esteem, and choice of vocabulary learning strategi

This study seeks to determine whether any significant relationship exists among Iraqi EFL Learner Autonomy (LA), self-esteem (SE), and choice of vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) as well as whether LA and SE are predictors of these strategies. To achieve these aims, this study employed a descriptive research design. Participants included 157 male and female undergraduate EFL learners, all within the age range of 17 to 25 years. They were studying English within the sub-disciplines of English Literature, Linguistics, and General English at Soran University in Iraq. Participants were administered the following three types of questionnaires adapted by the researcher: a) a 30-item VLS questionnaire based on that of Schmitt taxonomy (1997); b) a 30-item LA questionnaire developed by Sakai, et al. (2008); c) and a 30-item SE questionnaire based on Coopersmith's SE inventory (1967). Upon conducting preliminary analyses of this study's assumptions, the characteristics of the data were proven legitimate via correlation and regression analyses. Correlation analysis demonstrated that a statistically significant relationship existed between EFL Learner Autonomy and VLS, with (r = .555, p < .05), and SE and VLS, with (r = .678 p < .05). Furthermore, regression analysis revealed LA and SE to be significant predictors of VLS. LA predicted 30.7% of scores in the choice of VLS (R = .555, R2 = .307), and SE predicted 45.9% of scores in the choice of VLS (R = .678, R2 = .456). These findings demonstrate that both LA and SE make strong contributions to VLS. The results also reveal the existence of a significant difference between EFL Learner Autonomy and SE in their prediction of VLS. LA and SE contribute to effective vocabulary acquisition, while they also contribute significantly to VLS. Finally, it was proven that the greater the learner autonomy and self-esteem among learners, the more frequent the VLS use. Keywords: EFL learners, autonomy, self-esteem, vocabulary learning strategies, academic achievement