Journal of Academic Research for Humanities (JARH) is a double-blind peer-review, Open Free Access, online Multidisciplinary Research Journal
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Vol. 3 No. 3 (2023)
The International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities"

Research Articles

Examining the Relationship between Empathy and English Language Proficiency in BS English Students at KFUEIT

Published 02-09-2023

  • Syed Khuram Shahzad
    • ,
  • Samina Sarwat
    • ,
  • Ishrat Ramzan

Syed Khuram Shahzad
University of Sindh, Jamshoro

Samina Sarwat
HOD, Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar Khan

Ishrat Ramzan
M Phil in English, Linguistics Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahimyar Khan

Abstract

In this research, concepts, and the process of empathy, as well as the connection between empathy and language competency, are discussed, with a particular emphasis placed on the notion of cognitive empathy. In addition to this, it investigates the possibility that developing one's language skills to a highly skilled level could increase one's empathy levels. To determine whether there is a correlation between empathy and other factors such as gender, studying abroad, educational background, and usage of a second language, the researcher compared the levels of empathy exhibited by second-language learners who had high and low levels of proficiency in the target language. The researcher observed that the amount of empathy was related to the level of linguistic skill; nonetheless, there was a link between empathy. For additional research, the researcher recommends continuing studies in executive function in ESL non-natives, particularly ESL bilinguals (including highly proficient second language learners), and investigating how executive function in ESL learners influences behaviour and empathy development. I also suggest looking into how executive function in children influences behaviour and empathy development. For conducting this research, a Quantitative approach was used. A questionnaire was distributed among the participants to collect the data.

Keywords

Empathy, English Language, English Proficiency, ESL Learners, Psycholinguistics

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