The Difficulties in Pronunciation of Fricatives [F] and [V] by Learners of English Whose First Language is Dayak Ngaju: Applied Linguistics

This paper aims to describe (1) the difficulties in pronouncing [f] and [v] by the learners of English whose first language is Dayak Ngaju, (2) constraints that cause difficulty in learning English pronunciation, and (3) the application of drill method as an attempt to solve the problem of learning English pronunciation. This study is included in applied linguistics. Problem identification is done by using contrastive analysis. The approach used is qualitative and quantitative descriptive approach. The instruments used to collect data research are a test, observation, and interview. Location of the study is in SMA PGRI Palangka Raya. Based on the pre-test result, the learners' mastery level only 60% (under the minimum completeness criteria or KKM). The learners pronounce the sound fricative [f] and [v] à [p]. While the factors that cause difficulty are the phonological interference (interlingual transfer). As for extra-lingual factors are (1) the teachers of English have a lack of knowledge in English pronunciation, (2) the strategy applied in teaching pronunciation is not right, and (3) facility and infrastructure are inadequate, as there are no video, LCD, and language laboratory. The effort done to solve the difficulties of English pronunciation are first, the teachers follow workshop on English phonetics and phonology along with the strategy used to teach pronunciation, that is drill method. Secondly, the teachers apply drill method in pronunciation class in the form of Classroom Action Research (CAR). After the treatment is given in the form of CAR, then the mastery level is increased, it has reached 75% (already reached KKM). The learners of English pronounce correctly English sounds [f] and [v]