Unmasking language learning: impact of wearing face masks on the listening comprehension and word recognition of EFL learners in Saudi Arabia

Abstract With the increase in the use of face masks as a health precaution in the post-pandemic era, the effects of wearing such masks on language learners’ speech perception, which depends highly on visual cues, remain uncertain. This study explores the impact of wearing face masks on the listening comprehension and word recognition of 254 learners of English as a foreign language at intermediate and lower-intermediate levels at a university in Saudi Arabia. Participants listened to a passage read by a native English speaker in one of three conditions assigned randomly: audio-visual-face (AV-F), audio-visual-mask (AV-M), or audio-only (A-O) groups. A series of multiple-choice questions measured their comprehension of the listening passage and recognition of words. Findings revealed significant differences in accuracy scores, with AV-M and A-O resulting in lower accuracy than AV-F, which was the highest in accuracy. Additionally, higher language proficiency correlated with better AV-F performance, indicating the participants’ experience in recognizing facial cues. This study supports other findings on the negative impact of face masks on second language learners’ listening comprehension and word recognition, emphasizing the significance of observing facial and lip movements for language learners. Relevant implications and recommendations are provided for educators and researchers working with language learners to support their listening comprehension and perception skills.