Role of Non-Verbal Communication as a Supplementary Tool to Verbal Communication in ESL Classrooms: A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of non-verbal communication skills in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. These skills are used in teaching as well as learning. Non-verbal signs are of great significance for ESL learners and ESL teachers as they help cover the communication gap in form of gestures, eye-gaze, facial expressions, and body language. According to cognitive scientists, non-verbal signs assist teachers maintain attention level of the students that is important for successful teaching and learning. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in Lahore Liverpool Lingua. Two main instruments were used to collect data, namely questionnaire and observations. 100 students both male and female were chosen as samples who were observed to understand the importance of non-verbal communication skills in ESL classrooms. Besides observation of the students, 5 teachers at the same college were chosen to document their observations. These documents were used for content analysis. Apart from the documents, teachers’ opinions were also gathered through close-ended questionnaires. The questionnaire data were analyzed quantitatively. Thus, the collected data were analyzed and interpreted according to the principles of both qualitative and quantitative research. The study reveals the significance of non-verbal communication skills for ESL teachers and ESL students.