One Step Forward to the World: Developing EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension of Various Accents of English Through Learning Transfer

Abstract

English is used among speakers from different language backgrounds, and accent plays an important role in listening comprehension. To help Korean EFL learners improve their ability to understand various English accents, this study investigated effects of a treatment using CSAT listening materials recorded with different accents. The results showed that the experimental group not only improved their comprehension of the accents included in the treatment but also transferred this improvement to unfamiliar accents and authentic listening situations, showing both near and far learning transfer. In addition, questionnaire responses showed that participants recognized the effectiveness of the treatment and had positive attitudes toward listening to various English accents in school. Based on these findings, this study suggests including various English accents in the CSAT listening section to apply the principles of Teaching English as an international language (TEIL), to promote positive washback effects, and to support the development of listening skills needed for international communication. © 2025 KASELL All rights reserved.