On the Relationship Between L2 Learners’ Metaphorical Competence and Their Intrapersonal Intelligence

Abstract

This study explored the possible relationship among L2 learners’ metaphorical competence (MC) and their intrapersonal intelligence as well as their gender. A total of 126 (51 males and 75 females) upper-intermediate M.A. TEFL and B.A. English Literature/Translation at two Iran’s universities participated. A test battery including the Bar-On EQ-i and metaphor tests were administered among the participants. A Pearson product-moment correlation and an independent sample t test were run. The correlation results indicated that there was a medium positive correlation between the L2 upper-intermediate learners’ MC and assertiveness, and a small positive correlation between their MC level and intrapersonal/self-actualization/independence. The t test results showed that there was a significant difference in the males’ and females’ MC level. The findings suggest that L2 practitioners should include a report of L2 learners’ MC level/intrapersonal intelligence as a profile to organize their classroom schedules and facilitate L2 learners’ learning. More pedagogical implications are presented in the paper.