The Use of Nonverbal Communication in EFL in Sudanese Universities

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the use of nonverbal communication in English as Foreign Language classrooms at territory level. The study also aims to finds out to what extent nonverbal communication is used in the teaching and learning process. The researcher uses descriptive analytical methodology and the questionnaire and the interview as tools for collecting data. The questionnaire distributes to English language teachers at Sudan University of Science and Technology. The sample is 50 English language teachers most of them are M.A. holders. The interview holds with 5 Ph.D holders at Sudan University of Science and Technology. To meet the validity of the questionnaire and the interview, it has been shown to some experts at Sudan University of Science and Technology; they mention their comments, ideas, omission and additions. The findings of the study promote and developing the use of nonverbal communication affects teaching and learning process in the classrooms. The study finds and stresses the importance of nonverbal communication in teaching and learning as it conveys meanings, ideas, saves time and efforts as well and most teachers use nonverbal communication due to the fact that it helps the interaction between the teachers and the learners and the learners themselves. Most of the teachers use nonverbal communication by chance and most of the time unconsciously. They aren‘t aware of its impact on the teaching and learning process so they use it without aims, purposes and reasons. Students aren‘t quite aware of the use of nonverbal communication in teaching and learning, and it‘s the duty of the teachers to draw their attention the nonverbal communication use. Nonverbal VI communication can‘t be separated from the learner‘s culture as it is part of it and effect teaching and learning to a great extent. Depending on the result of the study, it has been suggested that nonverbal communication should be taught as a course at Universities at Colleges of Education to train teachers to use it in their classrooms in the future. Teachers should avoid the use of their mother tongue nonverbal communication when they teach English as foreign language /English as second language classes. Teacher education programs should include instruction on the use of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication can be employed in the syllabuses to enhance teachers and students‘ interaction in the classroom. Nonverbal communication uses should be including in teachers‘ evaluation parts as an effective part in teaching and learning process in the classrooms.