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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 17. Number 3, September 2026 Pp. 146-164
Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Academic of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya
Fakultas Tarbiyah dan Ilmu Keguruan, Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus, Indonesia
Willingness to Communicate is an important dimension of English language learning because it reflects learners’ readiness to use English when communication opportunities arise. As higher education increasingly emphasizes communicative competence, understanding the factors that facilitate or constrain students’ willingness to communicate has become particularly important. This study examines the intellectual structure, research trends, and thematic developments of willingness to communicate in English-language learning among higher-education students. By integrating large-scale knowledge mapping with an in-depth synthesis of empirical evidence, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how willingness to communicate has developed and the factors shaping students’ communication engagement. A two-stage Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review was conducted. The bibliometric stage analyzed 193 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2021 and 2025 using bibliographic coupling and VOSviewer, followed by a systematic review of 25 empirical studies selected through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided screening process. Four interconnected research clusters were identified, covering positive psychology and learner agency, motivation and teacher support, digital learning and emotions, and emerging technologies and dynamic communication behavior. The systematic synthesis further revealed that emotional, motivational, technological, and classroom-related factors interact to shape willingness to communicate. Overall, the findings position willingness to communicate as a dynamic and context-sensitive dimension of English language learning in higher education.
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Lim Seong Pek is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. He received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Universiti Selangor. He specializes in Media Literacy, Multimodality, and Teacher Education. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0322-7572
Siti Khadijah Mohd Yusof is an English Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. She is currently a D.Ed. candidate at INTI International University. She specializes in Reticent Studies, Willingness to Communicate, and Oral Communication. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2306-3880
Fatin Syamilah Che Yob is an English Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the National Defence University of Malaysia. She specializes in TESL, Social Emotional Learning, Materials Design, and Gamified Studies. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2306-3880
Dianna Suzieanna Mohamad Shah lectures at the Academy of Language Studies (APB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam and she is a university-wide Fellow for 360 degree and Video Learning with the Centre for Instructional Delivery and Learning Development (CIDL), UiTM. She holds a Master of Education (TESL) and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education (TESL). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0367-1577
Zaini Miftah is an assistant professor at the Department of English Language Education of Institut Agama Islam Negeri Palangka Raya Kalimantan Tengah Indonesia with many years of experience in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language. He is interested in the development of ELT, TEFL, L2 Writing, Blended Learning, and ICT-based ELT. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1815-3075
Elfi is an English Lecturer at the Fakultas Tarbiyah dan Ilmu Keguruan, Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus, Indonesia. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate. She is interested in ELT and Education Technology. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7950-3777