The role of gestures and facial cues in second language listening comprehension

This study investigated the contribution of gestures and facial cues to second- language learners' listening comprehension of a videotaped lecture by a native speaker of English. A total of 42 low- intermediate and advanced learners of English as a second language were randomly assigned to 3 stimulus conditions: AV- gesture- face ( audiovisual including gestures and face), AV- face ( no gestures), and Audio- only. Results of a multiple- choice comprehension task revealed significantly better scores with visual cues for both proficiency levels. For the higher level, the AV- face condition produced the highest scores; for the lower level, AV- gesture- face showed the best results. Questionnaire responses revealed positive attitudes toward visual cues, demonstrating their effectiveness as components of face- to- face interactions.