ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION DIFFICULTIES AMONG EFL STUDENTS

Abstract Pronunciation skill is essential to acquire proficiency in English while learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The learners commit errors in pronunciation due to the differences in the sound system of the two languages, English vowel inconsistency, spelling and mother tongue interference while learning the target language. Learning the basics of English pronunciation through phonics will not only help students to speak effectively, but also will improve their listening comprehension and reading ability. Pronunciation and clear understanding of English speech are two skills which complement each other. English is not a phonetic language, as one letter does not correspond to only one sound. Obviously, EFL learners find it extremely challenging to acquire pronunciation of words in English from its spelling. The study investigated the pronunciation errors among EFL students whose first language is Arabic. The sample comprised 50 female undergraduate students of the Department of English, Samtah University College, and Jazan University. Observation, recordings, and a structured questionnaire were used as instruments. The study was both descriptive and prescriptive. The results revealed that EFL students had committed errors in the pronunciation of English vowels that have more than one way of pronunciation, consonant sound contrasts and consonant clusters where two or more consonants occur without a vowel sound in between. Summing up this study, the researcher has recommended that university students should enrich their English pronunciation skills to prepare themselves for future to meet personal, professional, communicative, and global challenges