The Role of Multiple Intelligence in Iranian EFL Learners’ Cultural Identity and Language Achievement

The aim of this study was investigating the relationship between cultural identity and language achievement, the relationship between cultural identity and multiple intelligences, and the relationship between multiple intelligences and language achievement of Iranian EFL learners. This study also sought to find which types of EFL learners’ intelligence can predict their cultural identity and language achievement. Initially, to select a homogeneous sample, language learners took TOEFL and 180 learners were selected. Afterwards, the cultural identity and multiple intelligences questionnaires were applied. The results of statistical analyses revealed that there was a moderate and significant relationship between cultural identity and language achievement, a statistically positive and significant relationship between cultural identity and multiple intelligences, and a statistically positive and significant relationship between multiple intelligences and language achievement. The results also indicated that EFL learners’ cultural identity can be predicted by their interpersonal intelligence and their language achievement can be predicted by their linguistic intelligence. Being aware of such results, English teachers can equip themselves with effective techniques to handle possible challenges.