The Impact of Multisensory Stimuli on Reaction Time and Language Learning Efficiency: A Comparative Study of Auditory, Visual, and Combined Methods in EFL Learners

Creating an effective language learning environment is crucial for successful language acquisition. Learners need to be exposed to a variety of language inputs, including spoken and written forms. Using auditory, visual, and combined stimuli in language learning can significantly enhance the learning experience. Auditory stimuli, such as listening to native speakers, songs, and audio recordings, are crucial for developing listening skills. They help learners understand the pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of the language. Visual stimuli, such as images, videos, and written texts, cater to visual learners who process information better through sight. Visual aids can make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable. Combining auditory and visual stimuli creates a multisensory learning experience that can enhance comprehension and retention. By leveraging the strengths of both auditory and visual stimuli and combining them effectively, learners can achieve a more holistic and effective language learning experience. Reaction time (RT) plays a significant role in language learning, as it reflects how quickly learners can process and respond to language stimuli. In the following article, I sought to develop the best method (auditory, visual, and a combination of both) in which students can react and answer some reading practices faster than usual. To this end, ۶۰ EFL learners aged between ۱۲ and ۱۵ were chosen and divided into three twenty-student groups from one of the branches of ILI (Iran Language Institutes in Iran). The process took one month (about ۱۰ sessions). The result elucidated that the combined group can outperform the other two groups.