Effects of Attitude towards Language Learning and Risk-taking on EFL Student's Proficiency

This study was an endeavor to investigate effects of attitude towards language learning and risk-taking on EFL students' proficiency. To achieve the objectives of the study, three data gathering instruments were used: Attitude towards Language Learning Scale, Venturesomeness Subscale of Eysenck IVE Questionnaire, and Oxford Quick Placement Test (2005). The participants were 120 female and male college students majoring in English Translation at Marvdasht University. The results showed that the relationship between proficiency level-high, middle, and low -and attitude towards language learning was not significant and the middle proficient participants were higher risk-takers. The results demonstrated differences in risk-taking between high and intermediate levels. Moreover, there was no significant difference between high and low groups and low and middle groups. Correlational analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between attitude towards language learning and risk-taking (r=.20, p < 0.05). Besides, language proficiency and attitude towards language learning did not have a significant correlation (r=.06, p > 0.05).