The Influence of External and Internal Factors on Communication Strategies: A PLS-SEM Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the influence of external and internal factors on learners’ communication strategies using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Communication strategies are important in helping learners maintain interaction and overcome difficulties in foreign language communication. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and McCroskey’s Communication Apprehension Theory, the study investigates how environmental and psychological factors affect learners’ use of social-affective, fluency-oriented, negotiation for meaning, accuracy-oriented, and message reduction strategies. A quantitative approach was employed using a questionnaire adapted from Yaman and Kavasoğlu (2013) and Endler (1980). Data were collected from students enrolled in Introductory Arabic courses and analysed using SmartPLS 4 to assess the measurement and structural models. The findings revealed that external factors significantly influenced all dimensions of communication strategies, indicating that classroom environment, peer interaction, and audience response strongly affect learners’ communication behaviour. In contrast, internal factors such as anxiety and self-confidence did not show significant relationships with communication strategies. The results also demonstrated acceptable reliability, validity, and predictive relevance of the proposed model. Overall, the study highlights the importance of supportive learning environments in encouraging effective communication among learners. The findings provide valuable implications for educators and contribute to the understanding of communication strategies in foreign language learning contexts through the application of PLS-SEM analysis.