This study was an endeavor to develop a model of cultural identity among Iranian advanced EFL learners. To achieve this end, a multiphase design was implemented. Initially, it was attempted to investigate different factors of cultural identity to propose and validate a model. Thus, 20 EFL learners studying in Safir English language institute in Tehran were interviewed about their views of their cultural identity in the qualitative phase. After extracting four factors of cultural identity including: “religion, culture, nationality, and language”, a questionnaire was constructed which reflected these factors. Then, in the quantitative phase, the 30-item questionnaire went through an exploratory factor analysis for the sake of validity and after its validity and reliability were corroborated through a pilot study with 183 learners, it was distributed among 384 EFL learners. In addition, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was run through LISREL 8.8. to confirm that the final proposed model enjoyed validity for future research. To do so, a confirmatory factor analysis was run and the model of cultural identity was developed. Eventually, the possible relationship between 384 EFL learners’ cultural identity and their English language achievement scores was examined and the results of this phase indicated that there was a significant and positive relationship between learners’ cultural identity and their English language achievement scores. The findings of this study can enhance awareness among English teachers, materials developers, and syllabus designers to equip themselves with the updated techniques to handle the possible challenges that may occur in EFL learning contexts. Manuscript profile

Culture is an inseparable part of a language. In other words, mastering a language and being able to communicate through it inevitably entails integrating with the culture of the speakers of that language which is the reflection of people's identity. The aim of the present study was designing a model of Iranian cultural identity. Initially, to select a homogeneous sample of learners at the advanced level, 300 language learners at the advanced level took TOEFL and 180 learners were chosen as the participants of the study. The cultural identity model was designed by the use of interviews and literature review to come up with main components of cultural identity. Afterwards, participants were interviewed about their identity and four components comprising Iranian cultural identity were identified. The results of the factors analysis showed that raw data converged to a pattern with four components which fit the hypothesized model of cultural identity. Then, the cultural identity questionnaire was given to participants. The results of statistical analyses indicated that there was a significant negative relationship between cultural identity and language achievement of the participants. Manuscript profile

Knowing a language and communicating with the speakers of that language require learning about the culture of the native speakers of that language. The aim of this study was to develop a validated model of cultural identity among Iranian English learners. Initially, it was attempted to determine different factors of cultural identity based on the learners’ perceptions about cultural identity to develop a model. Thus, 20 EFL learners studying at Safir English language institute in Tehran, Iran were interviewed about their cultural identity and their attitudes were recorded. Considering qualitative phase, a close inspection of the responses of these learners in the interviews and going through three stages of open, axial and selective coding, four factors including “religion, culture, nationality, and language” were extracted. After that, a questionnaire indicating factors of cultural identity was constructed. In the quantitative phase, the questionnaire went through an exploratory factor analysis for the sake of validity and after a pilot study with 183 learners, 384 EFL learners filled it out. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was also run through LISREL 8.8. to confirm that the proposed model enjoyed validity for future research by running a confirmatory factor analysis and the model of cultural identity was developed. The findings of this study can make English teachers and materials developers aware of these important findings to be prepared to help the learners with possible challenges in English classes. Manuscript profile