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Research shows that gestures help L2 learners compensate for shortcomings in their second language, aid in the language learning process, and facilitate successful classroom communication between teachers and students . Despite this, there has been little research into whether L2 learners can benefit from classroom activities to raise their awareness of gesture use in a second language. The current study tests this hypothesis. An experimental group of 13 students and a control group of 10 students were recorded in pairs completing three separate tasks, received instruction on the tasks, and finally completed a second recording. The experimental group’s classroom activities included a focus on gesture, while the control group’s did not. Overall, compared to the control group, the experimental group gestured more frequently and expressively on the post-test. Moreover, students in the experimental group had a positive attitude towards the gesture awareness raising activities. The results of the study suggest that gesture awareness raising activities can improve L2 learners’ gesture use in a second language, offering implications for L2 learners, language instructors, and researchers.
