A Critical Discourse Analysis of Iraqi EFL University Students' Performance at Micro Level

Abstract

       The proficiency in the English language is dependent upon the vocabulary knowledge of both second and foreign language learners, as well as native speakers. While it is crucial to cultivate one's vocabulary, Non-native English learners, in particular, may find this task to be quite challenging. Academic performance in several university-level language skills, linguistics, literature, and translation courses is poor for students with a little vocabulary. The main aims of this study are finding out 1. the proficincy of  Iraqi EFL university students’ analysis in the area of micro analysis level,and 2. whether there are any significant differences between the students' analyitical performance in (micro) level .Also this study hypothesized that Iraqi EFL university students’ face significant difficulties at the micro recognition level. The sample of this study is the (135) fourth-stage students at the University of Diyala, Department of English, College of Education for Humanities, for the 2022–2023 academic year. The main findings of this study show that EFL college students are unable to recognize the meaning of the linguistic elements because the computed t-value is higher than the tabulated t-value in favor of the theoretical mean. This study points out the significance of acquiring English vocabulary, directs students' focus towards it, illuminates the challenges faced by students, and enhances their understanding of the language.