The present study investigated the relationship among emotional intelligence, assertiveness and verbal participation of learners of English as a foreign language. The sample included 68 female and 47 male learners of English as a foreign language at two levels of language proficiency (elementary and intermediate). The learners completed Cyberia Shrink’s Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire and NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO-PIR) and the teachers completed the verbal participation rating scale. Significant correlations were obtained among verbal participation and assertiveness and extraversion; however, there was no significant relationship between verbal participation and emotional intelligence. Simultaneous and stepwise regression analyses were performed revealing that three variables (extraversion, language proficiency level and gender) accounted for 17.1 percent of the variance in verbal participation. Personality type (extraversion-introversion) differences were found in the average level in verbal participation and assertiveness. Based on the results, the authors recommend inclusion of assertiveness training programs in introverted English learners’ curriculum.
)